States » WestPosted at: Sep 18 2026 5:07PM


Maha govt steps up drought assessment; guardian ministers asked to inspect farms

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) With several parts of Maharashtra facing a rainfall deficit and the possibility of drought looming over the state, the government has directed various departments to undertake an immediate assessment of the ground situation, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Friday.
Speaking to the media, Bawankule said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had instructed all departments during a Cabinet meeting to begin work immediately and submit reports on the situation.
Decisions on drought-related measures would be taken after the government receives the reports, he said.
“The Chief Minister has directed all guardian ministers to visit their respective districts and inspect agricultural fields. MLAs have also been asked to visit their constituencies, meet farmers and understand their problems,” Bawankule said.
He added that surveys were already underway to assess the extent of crop damage and determine the assistance required by farmers. Ministers and officials would visit affected districts and examine the situation on the ground, he said.
Maharashtra has received less rainfall than expected in several regions this monsoon, triggering demands from some areas for artificial rainfall.
Bawankule, however, ruled out the possibility of resorting to cloud seeding at present.
The experiment of artificial rainfall has never been successful, he said, adding that there was still time for the return monsoon. If the state receives some relief from the retreating monsoon, it would help mitigate the situation, he said.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne had on Thursday said that declaring drought in the state had become an immediate necessity, given the difficulties being faced by farmers.
Bharne said Chief Minister Fadnavis had already reviewed the situation and assured that the government would extend necessary assistance to farmers.
He also said he would personally visit five to six districts to assess the ground realities and gather detailed information.
The government has maintained that a comprehensive assessment of rainfall, crop conditions and agricultural losses will be crucial before taking further decisions on drought-related relief measures. UNI SP SAS
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