States » WestPosted at: Oct 11 2026 2:11PM


Maharashtra drought: Central Team assesses damage, state seeks maximum relief

Mumbai, Oct 11 (UNI) A high-level Central inspection team has concluded an extensive assessment of Maharashtra's drought-hit regions, holding crucial discussions with state leadership as the administration pushes for maximum disaster relief from the union government.
State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne announced on Sunday that a series of central delegations evaluated severe crop damage, drinking water deficits, and fodder shortages across 65 villages spanning multiple districts, including Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Marathwada, and Vidarbha.
The findings were presented during a high-level review meeting at the official residence 'Varsha', chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and attended by senior cabinet ministers alongside Central Drought Inspection Team leader and Joint Secretary Muktanand Agrawal.
According to the state administration, erratic rainfall patterns driven by El Niño have severely depleted major reservoir water stocks, crippling staple cash crops such as cotton, soybean, and pigeon pea (tur), while casting a shadow over the upcoming Rabi agricultural cycle.
Agriculture Minister Bharne noted that the central delegation responded positively to the state's preliminary drought assessment.
In response to the mounting agrarian crisis, Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasised that the state government is prioritising drinking water allocations and livestock preservation. Authorities have instituted strict water reservation protocols across major dams to secure public drinking supplies and fodder reserves.
The state government has already submitted its preliminary drought dossier to the Centre and is preparing a comprehensive final report to secure maximum financial assistance under disaster relief funds to support affected farmers and rural labourers.
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Tags: #Maharashtra drought: Central Team assesses damage# state seeks maximum relief
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