Story perspectives

Maharashtra starts drought damage checks, seeks NDRF aid

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Maharashtra began crop damage assessments (panchnamas) on September 23, 2026 in drought-hit districts.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule heads a sub-committee to oversee relief and seek NDRF aid.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a preliminary drought notification will be issued before Saturday.
The state will submit a National Disaster Response Fund proposal after October 5 while starting relief now.
Rainfall data show 31 of 36 districts deficient; 17 received under 75 % of expected rain.

History

Historical Context

After the 1972 drought that forced aid for 25 million people, Maharashtra faced a severe 2013 drought declared in 11,801 villages, prompting the central government to allocate billions for relief. Today, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are preparing a National Disaster Response Fund proposal, echoing past large-scale funding to curb agricultural loss.

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Story summary

Maharashtra began crop damage assessments (panchnamas) on September 23, 2026 in drought-hit districts.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule heads a sub-committee to oversee relief and seek NDRF aid.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a preliminary drought notification will be issued before Saturday.
The state will submit a National Disaster Response Fund proposal after October 5 while starting relief now.
Rainfall data show 31 of 36 districts deficient; 17 received under 75 % of expected rain.

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