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Maharashtra declares severe drought in 265 Talukas amid monsoon hiatus

Mumbai, Sep 26 (UNI) In response to a relentless two-month monsoon hiatus and the crippling shadow of El Niño that has scorched Kharif crops across the region, the Maharashtra government has officially declared a severe dry drought in 265 out of the state's 358 talukas.
Announcing the landmark decision, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that 'Trigger 1' under Central government guidelines has been invoked, bringing a staggering 75% of the state's total landmass under the official drought umbrella.
Describing the situation as the worst agricultural crisis since 1972, the government has bypassed waiting for central committee inspections, choosing instead to tap state reserves to deliver immediate relief directly to farmers.
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Yashomati Thakur lodges police complaint over drone spotted near Amravati Home, capturing images

28 Sep 2026 | 10:27 PM

Amravati, Sep 28 (UNI) Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Yashomati Thakur on Monday claimed that a drone was seen flying over her residence in Amravati and allegedly captured images, prompting her to lodge a complaint with the police.

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Kolhapur: Man killed, wife seriously injured in accident

28 Sep 2026 | 10:12 PM

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Restructuring Public Finances: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Demands 6-Month Fiscal Overhaul in Maharashtra

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140 fall ill after eating bhel-bhat at Malegaon weekly market; Minister Dada Bhuse visits hospital

28 Sep 2026 | 9:29 PM

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11 Maha Departments placed on emergency footing, staff leave cancelled: Minister

28 Sep 2026 | 8:26 PM

Hingoli, Sep 28 (UNI) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday said the state government has cancelled the leave of employees from 11 crucial departments and directed officials to remain stationed at their headquarters to tackle the escalating drought situation across the state.

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