Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas; Relief Quantum Awaits Ground Assessment

Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, a move that brings 74% of the state under the drought category, according to a government resolution. The declaration was made on Saturday.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the exact assistance to be extended to farmers will be settled only after an objective, ground-level assessment of the situation. She said the administration has been directed to carry out the survey, and that aid will be disbursed as soon as possible once the report is ready.

Twelve relief measures have been announced for the affected areas. These include concessions on students' educational fees and the launch of employment guarantee works.

Ms. Pawar, who is touring Marathwada, described the situation in the region as difficult. Crops have been damaged or have dried up, and farmers are grappling with shortages of drinking water and fodder for cattle. She visited Nanded and is scheduled to travel to Parbhani and Beed to review conditions and meet farmers.

In Nanded district, 14 of 16 talukas have been declared drought-affected, while nearly the entire Parbhani district is covered by the declaration.

Calling the declaration a matter of satisfaction from the farmers' point of view, Ms. Pawar said it offers relief to those reeling from crop damage, water scarcity and fodder shortages. She added that everyone in the region is distressed by the situation.

On concerns raised by students from Marathwada studying in Pune and Mumbai, she said difficulties faced by them would be considered. While noting that examination fees are nominal, she said the government would look into any problems that come to its notice.