Maharashtra drought response: Central team assesses damage as tankers and aid ramp up

Bhiwandi: A prolonged dry spell has intensified the agrarian distress in Shahapur taluka of Thane district, leaving paddy and other kharif crops vulnerable to damage due to a shortage of moisture. With standing crops in urgent need of irrigation, former Shahapur MLA Pandurang Barora has demanded the immediate release of water through the right bank canal of Bhatsa Dam to prevent further losses to farmers.Barora has written to the Thane District Collector, the Superintending Engineer of the Thane Irrigation Circle and the Executive Engineer of the Bhatsa Dam management, highlighting the deteriorating situation in agricultural fields and urging the authorities to take prompt action.Prolonged dry spell threatens kharif cropsPointing to the dependence of farmers in villages surrounding Bhatsa Dam on agriculture for their livelihood, Barora said the extended gap in rainfall had left paddy and other kharif crops struggling for water at a crucial stage of cultivation. If irrigation water is not made available in time, the standing crops could suffer extensive damage, further aggravating the financial burden on farmers.He has called for the judicious management of the water available in Bhatsa Dam and its timely allocation to meet the irrigation requirements of farmers in the affected areas. He stressed that the administration must treat the issue as an immediate agricultural concern rather than allow it to remain confined to official correspondence.Maharashtra Food Commission Inspects KDMC School Meals In Kalyan, Checks Food Quality, Kitchen Hygiene & NutritionDemand for field inspectionsBarora has also urged the concerned departments to conduct an on-site inspection of agricultural fields, assess the extent of crop stress and make arrangements for the prompt release of water through the right bank canal. He emphasised that water distribution must be planned fairly to ensure that all farmers in need receive an adequate supply and that no affected farming community is left out.The demand comes amid growing concerns over the impact of erratic rainfall on kharif cultivation in the region. For farmers already facing uncertainty due to the prolonged dry spell, timely irrigation could prove crucial in protecting their standing crops and limiting potential agricultural losses.Also Watch:Farmers await irrigation decisionWith the demand now placed before the district and irrigation authorities, farmers are awaiting a decision on the release of water. The administration's response is expected to be critical in determining whether the affected crops can be protected before the situation worsens."With little or no rain for an extended period, paddy and other kharif crops urgently need water. The available water in Bhatsa Dam must be managed properly and released through the right bank canal for irrigation without delay. Any further delay could damage standing crops. The authorities must inspect the fields and take an immediate decision instead of limiting their response to paperwork," said Pandurang Barora, former MLA.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

The tankers are supplying water to 517 villages and 2,147 settlements across 10 districts as officials assess crop losses and drinking water shortages.

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Divisional Commissioner G Srikant briefed the panel on rainfall deficits, Kharif crop loss, and drinking water and fodder shortages,.

With the government set to conduct crop-damage surveys after October 5, farmers are demanding immediate drought declarations and relief funds, highlighting the urgent need for assistance as water scarcity exacerbates the crisis across Marathwada and Vidarbha regions

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has ordered the immediate and uninterrupted supply of free foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries in 265 talukas declared drought-hit under Trigger-1 for the 2026 kharif season following deficient rainfall between June and September.The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department issued a special government resolution on Wednesday directing the administration to ensure that farmers, farm labourers and other eligible residents in the drought-affected talukas do not face difficulties in accessing foodgrains.Free foodgrains for eligible beneficiariesUnder the National Food Security Act, eligible beneficiaries in the affected talukas will be provided foodgrains free of cost without delay. The government has also decided to bring needy persons who are currently outside the food security scheme into its coverage.#WATCH | Hassan | JDS leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy says, "This year there is a severe drought situation that has affected the farming community across the state. All 31 districts have been severely affected, and nearly 234 taluks have been declared drought-affected areas. The declaration was made late; it should have been done earlier, but now it has been declared. The government, and even the Chief Minister himself, called a special session. Both the party MLAs thought that the Chief Minister might resolve the farmers' issues by giving them at least Rs 25,000 per acre. But now that he has announced only Rs 2,500 per farmer, I don't think this is going to resolve any of the farmers' issues. We, being a farmer-based party, are with the farmers. We are touring nearly all 31 districts in our state on behalf of Janata Dal (Secular). Today, I have come to Hassan district...Most of the farming community was present today. They discussed the majority of the issues affecting them here..."— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2026According to the guidelines, if any needy person in the 265 drought-hit talukas approaches the authorities for foodgrains, he or she will be included in either the Antyodaya or Priority Household category, subject to the prescribed income criteria. Aadhaar seeding of all members listed on the ration card will be mandatory for availing the benefit.Central Team Begins 4-Day Maharashtra Drought Assessment, To Inspect Crop Losses, Water Scarcity & Fodder ShortagesRation portability for migrant workersThe government has also stressed the strict implementation of ration portability facilities for migrant workers and other residents who may leave their villages in search of employment or water because of the drought.Such beneficiaries will be allowed to collect their entitled foodgrains from any convenient fair price shop under the One Nation One Ration Card system through AePDS and e-PoS facilities. Supply officials have been directed to personally ensure that no migrant family is deprived of its food entitlement.Also Watch:Strict action against illegal hoardingThe department has further instructed officials to undertake advance planning to ensure timely lifting and distribution of foodgrains. Authorities have also been warned to take strict action against black-marketing and illegal hoarding of foodgrains.The government said it was committed to ensuring that farmers and farm labourers in drought-hit areas do not face food shortages and directed all concerned agencies to remain alert to ensure that migrant residents can access ration portability facilities without difficulty.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: A Central inter-ministerial team has begun a four-day visit to Maharashtra to assess the drought situation and crop damage during the 2026 kharif season. During its October 8-11 visit, the team will inspect drought-affected areas and assess rainfall deficiency, drinking water availability, crop losses and fodder requirements for livestock.The team is headed by Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It comprises administrative and technical officials from various Central ministries and departments, including agriculture, water resources, rural development, drinking water, food and public distribution, animal husbandry, finance and NITI Aayog.State briefs team on drought impactFollowing the team's arrival in Mumbai, a meeting was held at Sahyadri Guest House in the presence of Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, where the state government made a detailed presentation on the drought situation and its likely impact.The Chief Secretary drew the team's attention to water scarcity in several parts of the state due to deficient rainfall, the potential need for water tankers, difficulties faced by farmers and agricultural labourers, possible migration of workers and farmer suicides.Bhiwandi Civic Headquarters' 'Third Eye' Goes Blind As CCTV Cameras Fail, Metal Detector Lies Defunct For YearsRainfall deficiency and crop losses assessedA presentation on rainfall patterns, the impact of El Niño on weather conditions and crop damage, along with an assessment of drinking water availability, was given to the team. Moreover, presentations on district-wise information on crop losses, the current fodder situation and projected requirements for the next seven months were also given to the Central team.Details were shared pertaining to the current tanker-based water supply, the state's water situation compared with the previous three years and villages being considered for tanker supply.Officials from the Water Resources, Water Conservation, Employment Guarantee Scheme and Energy departments also presented assessments of existing resources and the likely situation over the next seven months. The team was briefed on minor irrigation tanks and the status of water sources in villages.Also Watch:Central teams to inspect affected districtsBased on the data and evidence submitted by the state government, the Central team has planned visits to selected districts and locations to assess the ground situation. Multiple teams will travel to different parts of Maharashtra to cover a wider area, accompanied by local officials and experts.After completing the field inspections, the team will return to Mumbai for further discussions on October 11. The findings are expected to help the Centre assess the extent of drought-related damage and the state's requirements for necessary relief measures.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Against the backdrop of the drought situation in the district, State Minister for Social Justice and the district’s Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat issued directives on Thursday to prioritise scarcity mitigation works in the district. He emphasised the need to prioritise activities such as fodder crop cultivation, desilting and depositing the silt in farmers’ fields, water supply, providing assistance to farmers and farm labourers, and ensuring the availability of employment.Guardian Minister Shirsat reviewed drought relief measures during a meeting of the district-level monitoring committee on Thursday.District Collector Vinay Gowda GC, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Minnu PM, Additional Commissioner Kalpita Pimple, Superintending Engineer and Administrator of the Command Area Development Authority Rajendra Dhodapkar, Executive Engineer (Irrigation) SG Shahpure, Executive Engineer (Jayakwadi Irrigation Division) Ganesh Hase, Executive Engineer (Nandur-Madhmeshwar Irrigation Division) Pravin Pable, Deputy Executive Engineer (Minor Irrigation Division) Rupesh Hire, City Engineer Sanjay Kombde, among others, were present.Nana Patekar & Pune: Why The Actor Chose Sinhagad's Hills Over Mumbai's Film World Shirsat began by reviewing the district’s available water reserves and fodder supply. He emphasised the need to boost fodder production to ensure that fodder does not have to be sourced from outside the district. To this end, subsidies could be provided to farmers cultivating fodder under the Fodder Development Programme. He also directed that farmers with land along canals be encouraged to cultivate fodder crops.District Collector Vinay Gowda GC stated that fodder cultivation can be undertaken along the banks of the Godavari River and in the dam backwater areas of Gangapur taluka. By supplying fodder to the district’s silage producers, livestock feed security can be ensured through the production of silage.Shirsat stated that, if the need arises, fodder should be made available to neighbouring districts. Priority must be given to scarcity relief measures while utilising funds. Field visits to ongoing works should be conducted, and reviews should be carried out based on daily and weekly reports.Pune Derby 2026: Villoo C. Poonawalla Derby Weekend To Bring Elite Thoroughbred Racing, Glamour, Live Entertainment & ₹1 Crore Prize Voluntary organisations should be involved in drought relief operations and assistance, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from industries should be utilised. These organisations and industries should be invited to provide assistance. A control room should be established to manage the relief funds and materials being received and distributed.He directed that a system be established to monitor tanker transport via GPS and control operations from the district headquarters. He instructed that a proper schedule be prepared for water supply rotations and distribution. Priority should be given to desilting work, and the removed silt should be transported to farmers’ fields free of cost. Additionally, he directed that employment opportunities be made available to farm labourers at the local level.He instructed the administration to plan in such a way that farmers receive assistance before Diwali. He also directed that the district should implement scarcity relief measures that serve as a model for the rest of the State.

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and sought special financial assistance from the Centre to tackle the severe drought situation in Maharashtra, particularly in view of the emerging drinking water and fodder crisis.NDRF Proposal SubmittedFadnavis submitted a copy of the state's proposal for assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and urged Shah to expedite the process of assessing the drought situation. He said around 32 districts were facing severe drought conditions, with nearly 80 per cent of the state's talukas affected."I met Amit Shah today. As you are aware, the Union Home Minister heads the NDRF and also chairs the Inter-Ministerial Group. Our proposals seeking assistance under the NDRF are placed before this group. I went to brief him about the proposal submitted by Maharashtra and also handed over a copy to him," Fadnavis said.Central Team Visit SoughtHe said he had requested that a Central team be sent to Maharashtra immediately to assess the situation on the ground. The team is expected to visit the state from October 8 to 11 and inspect drought-affected areas before submitting its report to the NDRF."The team will inspect various parts of Maharashtra from October 8 to 11 and assess the drought situation. Its report, along with the proposal submitted by the state, will form the basis for the NDRF's decision. The process is moving very quickly," Fadnavis said.Special Assistance RequestedThe Chief Minister said he had specifically sought assistance beyond the normal relief measures considering the scale of the crisis. "I have made a special request to the Centre considering the overall drought situation. The Union Home Minister has responded positively and assured that the Centre will provide maximum possible assistance within the existing rules," he said.Maharashtra To Strengthen Forest-Police Coordination Against Wildlife Crime; District Tiger Cells To Meet Every MonthFadnavis said crop-loss surveys had already been completed in around 23,000 villages and assured that the state government would make efforts to complete the remaining assessment at the earliest and provide financial assistance to affected farmers.He noted that drought in Maharashtra was generally declared in November-end or December in previous years, whereas the government had taken the decision much earlier this year."This is the first year when, keeping all rules and criteria aside, we have declared drought in advance, in September-end," Fadnavis said, adding that the early declaration was aimed at ensuring timely assistance to farmers facing difficulties.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday met Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the drought situation in the state and sought maximum assistance from the Centre through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).Taking to X after the meeting, Fadnavis said he informed Shah of the situation in Maharashtra and the measures being taken by the state government.हमारे नेता, मा. केंद्रीय गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री अमितभाई शाह इनसे आज नई दिल्ली में मुलाकात कर महाराष्ट्र में सूखे की स्थिति पर विस्तृत चर्चा की। उन्हें राज्य की पूरी स्थिति से अवगत किया और राज्य सरकार द्वारा किए जा रहे उपायों की जानकारी दी। इस संबंध में राज्य सरकार की ओर से एक निवेदन भी सौंपा। महाराष्ट्र की 265 तहसीलों में सूखा घोषित किया गया है और विभिन्न सूखा राहत उपाययोजनाएं लागू की गई हैं। ऐसी स्थिति में एनडीआरएफ के माध्यम से महाराष्ट्र को अधिक से अधिक सहायता उपलब्ध कराने का अनुरोध उनसे किया। मा. अमितभाई शाह इन्होंने महाराष्ट्र को अधिकतम सहायता उपलब्ध कराने का आश्वासन दिया। उन्होंने यह भी जानकारी दी कि केंद्र सरकार की टीम 8 से 11 अक्टूबर के बीच महाराष्ट्र का दौरा कर स्थिति का जायजा लेगी। केंद्र सरकार मजबूती से महाराष्ट्र के साथ खड़ी रहेगी, ऐसा आश्वासन देने के लिए मैं उनका अत्यंत आभारी हूं। @AmitShah @HMOIndia #NewDelhi— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 7, 2026 “Our leader, Hon. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amitbhai Shah, met with them today in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on the drought situation in Maharashtra. They were apprised of the full situation in the state, and information was provided about the measures being taken by the state government,” Fadnavis wrote.State seeks NDRF assistanceHe said the state government also submitted a memorandum seeking assistance in view of the drought situation.According to Fadnavis, various relief measures have been implemented following the declaration of 265 talukas as drought-affected. “In such a situation, a request was made to them to provide maximum assistance to Maharashtra through NDRF,” he wrote.Fadnavis said Shah assured him that the Centre would provide maximum assistance to Maharashtra. He also said a Central government team would visit the state between October 8 and 11 to assess the situation.“I am extremely grateful to him for assuring that the Central government will stand firmly with Maharashtra,” Fadnavis added.Crop damage assessment underwayMeanwhile, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil said on Tuesday that crop damage assessment had been completed on 65.26 lakh hectares across 265 talukas declared drought-affected. The assessed area accounts for about 45 per cent of the state's 1.49 crore hectares under cultivation. Patil said the remaining assessment would be completed by October 12.He said the assessment process began after the government declared 265 talukas drought-affected and that nearly 45 per cent of the panchnamas had been completed within eight days.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/ 

Jalgaon: Drought has been declared across 15 talukas of Jalgaon district and the administration is prepared to tackle the situation. Although the district's dams hold 92% of their water capacity, the water has been reserved for drinking purposes. Anticipating potential water scarcity, the administration has prepared a district action plan, with 536 mitigation measures planned through June.Jalgaon District Collector Rohan Ghuge said water shortages are projected to affect 23 villages by the end of December, 244 villages by the end of March and 521 villages by the end of June. He said the district has enough fodder to last about six months, after which additional fodder production will be undertaken through the Forest Department and cultivation on agricultural land.Ghuge also said yields of various kharif crops were likely to decline following a prolonged dry spell.The district expected 603 mm of rainfall this year but received only 486 mm. Bodwad taluka recorded the lowest rainfall at 58.4% of the average, while Parola taluka recorded the highest at 97.7%.Nashik: FDA Seizes 80,208 Packaged Drinking Water Bottles Worth ₹8.16 Lakh In Dhule Drought has been declared across all 15 talukas. In seven talukas, including Bodwad, Jalgaon, Chalisgaon, Jamner, Bhusawal, Yaval and Chopda, rainfall in 698 villages ranged between 50% and 75% of the average. Although rainfall was relatively higher in other talukas, the prolonged dry spell affected kharif crops.Ghuge said the district administration took timely note of the situation and began preparations to deal with the anticipated water scarcity.The district has 112 minor irrigation projects, 14 medium irrigation projects and three major projects. The Waghur project, which supplies water to Jalgaon, holds 71.3% of its capacity, the Hatnur project on the Tapi River is at 100% and the Girna project, the largest dam in North Maharashtra, is at 99.3%.Medium irrigation projects in the district hold 74.5% of their capacity, while minor irrigation projects hold 66.4%. Considering the high summer temperatures in Jalgaon district and the resulting evaporation, Ghuge said water must be used prudently and instructions have been issued to use it sparingly. All available water has been reserved for drinking purposes.On the fodder situation, Ghuge said the district requires 1.4 lakh metric tonnes of fodder a month and current stocks are sufficient for an average of 181 days. Additional fodder production will be undertaken by the Forest Department and through the cultivation of crops such as sorghum on agricultural land.This year, kharif sowing was carried out across 7,21,518 hectares in the district. Major crops included cotton on 4,30,426 hectares, maize on 1,71,571 hectares and soybean on 43,497 hectares.Nashik: MANS Calls For Removal Of Superstitious Salt Bowl From Civic Commissioner’s Chamber However, a dry spell during the monsoon affected the yields of these kharif crops. The expected yield declines are 25% to 30% for cotton, 40% to 45% for maize, 25% for kharif sorghum, 30% to 35% for black gram, 30% to 35% for green gram, 25% to 30% for pigeon pea and 50% to 60% for pearl millet.Ghuge said the administration has prepared a three-phase action plan in anticipation of potential water scarcity. Water shortages are projected to affect 23 villages by the end of December, 244 villages by the end of March and 521 villages by the end of June. The administration has formulated 536 mitigation measures to address the situation through June.

Latur: As Latur in Maharashtra is reeling under drought, the district administration has decided to take step-wise actions, including identification of government wells and borewells, followed by acquisition of these water bodies and roping in tankers if required.Maharashtra’s drought response is moving beyond immediate relief to jobs + long-term resilience.Under CM Devendra Fadnavis, ₹6,728 crore has been allocated through the Employment Guarantee programme to generate rural employment and strengthen the local economy.The plan… pic.twitter.com/zvXp5P9zck— DeepDownAnalysis (@deepdownanlyz) October 6, 2026 Collector Dr Bharat Bastewad has chalked out a four-pronged plan focusing on drinking water, cattle fodder, employment and revival of existing water sources.On September 26, the Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, or 74 per cent of the state, amid rainfall deficit and announced relief measures, including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions, and power bill subsidies.Nashik: MANS Calls For Removal Of Superstitious Salt Bowl From Civic Commissioner’s Chamber Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division has the highest number of 74 drought-affected talukas, followed by Amravati 56, Nashik 49, Nagpur 39, Pune 35 and Thane 12. One taluka in Raigad, three in Ratnagiri and eight in Sindhudurg have also been included in the list.Talking to PTI, Bastewad said the administration would first assess the availability of government wells and borewells in every village in Latur, followed by identification and acquisition of private water sources wherever necessary.If these sources prove insufficient, additional wells and borewells would be considered, followed by deployment of tankers based on the requirement, he said.BJP Delegation Corners Beed Civic Body Over Water Crisis The collector inspected the drinking water situation at Wadwal Nagnath in Chakur tehsil on Tuesday.Bastewad said Wadwal Nagnath, with a population of around 15,000, has about 30 borewells within the gram panchayat limits, of which 11 were found to be functioning properly. He said several households also have private borewells.He said the administration plans to install water tanks at five to six major locations in Wadwal Nagnath and provide taps wherever required. Four persons, along with gram panchayat staff, would be deployed to manage the facilities, with water supplied to residents in two-hour slots.Bastewad said the administration had also identified additional wells that could be used if the situation worsened and arrangements for tankers would be made if required.33 Illegal Water Connections Cut In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar He said the district administration was now preparing a comprehensive contingency plan for Chakur tehsil. "The first step is to assess government wells and borewells, then identify private borewells and acquire water from them wherever necessary. If that is still insufficient, we will explore additional wells and borewells and, thereafter, arrange tankers," he said.The second component of the drought plan is ensuring adequate fodder for livestock. The administration will collect village-wise data on existing fodder stocks and assess how long they are likely to last, he said.Bastewad said villagers having access to water could be encouraged to cultivate fodder, while the administration was considering setting up fodder depots instead of relying solely on fodder camps.WATCH: MPSC Protest Turns Tense In Pune As Students Move Towards Riverbed The third focus area is employment under the rural employment guarantee scheme.Bastewad said pending and anticipated demands for work would be approved so that labourers could get employment locally.Works would include desilting of tanks and drains, rejuvenation of wells and recharge of old borewells. The administration would also encourage fodder cultivation through available government assistance and employment-guarantee schemes, he said.The fourth aspect of the plan is strengthening water conservation and source sustainability so that villages do not remain dependent on emergency tanker supplies for prolonged periods, according to him. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)