Full Breakdown
Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas, Covering 74 % of State
By Drooid · · How we work
Drought Declaration and Immediate Relief Measures
On September 26, 2026, the Maharashtra government declared 265 of the state’s 358 talukas drought-affected, activating twelve relief measures: land-revenue waivers, crop-loan restructuring, a stay on agriculture-loan recovery, exemption from electricity bills for pumps, waiver of school and college exam fees, relaxed NREGS norms, drinking-water tankers, a ban on pump disconnection, and food-grain and fodder supplies. District collectors will begin the crop-panchanama survey to document losses for future compensation.
Rainfall Deficits and Regional Impact
State data show an 18.8 % rainfall deficit for June 1 – September 18 (755.9 mm vs. 932.3 mm average). The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division recorded 424.5 mm, 30.8 % below normal. Pune, Nashik, Amravati and Nagpur divisions each faced roughly a 30 % shortfall, while Konkan’s deficit was 6.3 %. Six districts—including Amravati, Solapur and Latur—saw deficits of 40–50 %, triggering failures in soybean, cotton, millet, maize, tur, moong and urad and increasing pest pressure.
Key Statistics
- 265 talukas declared drought-affected (? 74 % of the state).
- Rainfall deficit: 18.8 % statewide; 30.8 % in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division.
- Districts with the most affected talukas: Yavatmal, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Nanded (each 14).
Official Statements & Government Response
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited drought-hit areas before the resolution and said crop-damage surveys would start promptly. The resolution cites the agriculture commissioner’s report dated September 24, 2026, confirming Trigger-I criteria of the Drought Management Code—dry spell over 21 days and rainfall deficit above 25 %—were met. Financial assistance for crop damage will be announced after the assessment.
Criticism & Opposition
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray argued that relief should also cover urban areas, warning of inflation and industrial impacts. Farm activist and former MP Raju Shetti said the announcement alone is insufficient, calling for concrete compensation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Apart from the relief to farmers, the government should also announce relief to the urban parts of the state, as inflation is bound to increase and industrial areas are likely to face the impact of the drought,” — Shiv Sena-UBT
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sub-district count: Some outlets cite 265 of 352 tehsils, others 265 of 358 talukas. Both figures appear in official communications.
- Compensation details: The resolution lists relief measures but does not specify the timeline or criteria for crop-loss compensation.
Timeline
- September 24, 2026: Agriculture commissioner’s assessment completed.
- September 26, 2026: Drought declaration and relief measures activated.
- September 16, 2026: Farmers staged protests demanding relief and compensation.
The declaration represents the broadest drought response in Maharashtra’s recent history, reflecting severe rainfall shortfalls and prompting immediate relief actions alongside debates over their adequacy.