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Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas, announces relief package
The Maharashtra government has officially declared drought conditions in 265 of the state's 358 talukas, covering approximately 75 percent of the region. This declaration follows a significant rainfall deficit during the 2026 Kharif season, which has severely impacted major crops including soybean, cotton, maize, and pulses.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a comprehensive 12-point relief package to support farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural households. Key measures include a full waiver of land revenue, restructuring of agricultural loans, and a stay on the recovery of existing farm-related debts. To assist with operational costs, the government is providing concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps exceeding 7.5 HP, while bills for smaller pumps remain waived.
Additional relief efforts include the exemption of examination fees for students in affected areas, relaxation of work norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to boost local employment, and the deployment of water tankers to combat drinking water shortages. District Collectors have been directed to conduct field assessments (panchnama) using geotagged photography to accurately document crop losses. The state administration is also preparing to seek financial assistance from the central government.
Entities
Chandrapur · Devendra Fadnavis · Dharashiv · Maharashtra · Maharashtra Government · Marathwada · Nagpur · Pratap Sarnaik · Shiv Sena (UBT) · Sunetra Ajit Pawar
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the government is working to provide assistance to farmers facing drought-like conditions. www.bhaskarhindi.com · www.punjabkesari.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The Maharashtra government has begun issuing Government Resolutions (GR) to facilitate aid for farmers. www.bhaskarhindi.com · www.punjabkesari.com · bhaskarlive.in · www.deccanchronicle.com · dainiknavajyoti.com · +4 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Affected crops include soybean, cotton, tur, moong, urad, jowar, and maize. samacharnama.com · hindi.latestly.com · www.deccanchronicle.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Deficient monsoon rainfall has caused crop damage in Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Vidarbha. samacharnama.com · bhaskarlive.in · hindi.latestly.com · thelivenagpur.com · dainiknavajyoti.com · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded a drought emergency declaration and immediate fund release without bureaucratic delays. samacharnama.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] The Maharashtra government has declared drought conditions in 265 of the state's 358 talukas. bhaskarlive.in · hindi.latestly.com · thelivenagpur.com · dainiknavajyoti.com · shiningindianews.com · +6 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] A 12-point relief package has been announced, including land revenue waivers and agricultural loan restructuring. bhaskarlive.in · thelivenagpur.com · shiningindianews.com · bilkulonline.com · hindi.latestly.com · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The state expects to submit a proposal for central assistance within seven days of the drought notification. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The government announced a full waiver of land revenue and concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps. bhaskarlive.in · thelivenagpur.com · dainiknavajyoti.com · shiningindianews.com · www.zoomnews.in · +3 more