States » WestPosted at: Sep 19 2026 3:02PM


Govt monitoring drought-like situation; farmers to get aid without waiting for Centre, says Fadnavis

Mumbai, Sep 19 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state government is closely monitoring the drought-like situation prevailing in several districts following prolonged breaks in rainfall and widespread crop damage, and assured that affected farmers would receive assistance without waiting for funds from the Centre.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the issue has been discussed in detail at the recent Cabinet meeting and all ministers have been directed to visit their respective districts to assess the ground situation.
“The ministers have visited their districts and are reviewing the situation. We will conduct a preliminary assessment over the next week, followed by crop damage panchnamas, and compensation will subsequently be provided to farmers,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state had established rules and government resolutions governing drought declaration and the disbursement of relief, adding that these norms had also been followed by previous governments.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra would follow the prescribed procedure to enable it to seek financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). However, he made it clear that the state would not wait for central assistance before providing relief to affected farmers.
“Panchnamas will be conducted from October 5, and preparations for the exercise have already begun. A report based on the panchnamas will be submitted to the Centre. But we will provide assistance to farmers without waiting for central assistance,” he said.
He also criticised the Opposition for politicising the drought-like situation, saying the rules governing drought assessment and relief were well known to all political parties.
Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing some public representatives eating cashews and almonds during a discussion on the drought-like situation in Nanded has gone viral, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Asked about the incident, Fadnavis said the administration should avoid such conduct, particularly while discussing the problems faced by farmers. He said officials has been advised to exercise caution and added that such behaviour was inappropriate.
He said officials has been advised to exercise caution and described such behaviour as inappropriate. At the same time, he cautioned against assuming that anyone is deliberately engaging in such conduct merely because the state is facing a drought-like situation.
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