Full Breakdown
Maharashtra Drought Sparks Debate Over Data-Centre Expansion
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Drought Declaration and Data-Centre Push
On September 26, 2026 the Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas—about 74 % of the territory. At the same time, the state continued to promote a data-centre agenda targeting 5.7 GW of capacity by 2032 and attracting more than USD 300 billion in prospective investment.
Background & Context
The declaration follows a rainfall deficit recorded across most divisions. From June 1 to September 18 the state received 755.9 mm of rain, 18.8 % below the long-term average of 932.3 mm, a shortfall linked to an El Niño event. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division recorded only 424.5 mm against an expected 613.1 mm (a 30.8 % deficit). Similar deficits of roughly 30 % were reported in Pune and Nashik, while Amravati and Nagpur saw a 27 % shortfall. Six districts, including Amravati, Solapur and Latur, experienced deficits of 40-50 %. The shortfall has led to crop failures for soybean, cotton, millet, maize, tur, moong and urad, heightened pest pressure, and increased farmer distress.
Data & Statistics
- 265 talukas across 32 districts classified as drought-affected.
- $300 billion in prospective data-centre investment; 5.7 GW capacity target by 2032.
- Rainfall deficit: overall 18.8 %; division-level deficits range from 6.3 % (Konkan) to 30-50 % (several districts).
- Relief measures announced: crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue waivers, agri-pump electricity bill exemptions, food-grain and fodder security, and immediate panchnama surveys for compensation.
Official Statements & Responses
The cabinet sub-committee headed by Chandrashekhar Bawankule will decide on further relief actions, including provision of drinking water, livestock fodder, and a seven- to eight-month relief plan. Financial assistance for crop losses will be issued through a separate resolution following prescribed procedures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Data centres require two critical resources: power and water. The amount of water they consume depends on the cooling technology used, but water requirement is an important consideration, particularly in water-stressed regions like Maharashtra,” — Pawan Khera
- “But few crucial questions arise: When nearly three-fourths of Maharashtra is officially under drought, what is the government's plan to ensure that the state's water resources are not diverted away from farmers and ordinary citizens to fuel this massive data-centre expansion?” — Pawan Khera
Timeline
- September 25, 2026 – Government resolution covering 265 talukas.
- September 26, 2026 – Official drought declaration; relief measures announced.
- September 27, 2026 – Congress raises questions about data-centre expansion.
- September 23 – MLA Vijay Wadettiwar calls for urgent drought declaration and assembly session.
What’s Next
The state will issue a separate resolution detailing financial assistance for crop losses. District collectors are tasked with completing panchnama surveys promptly, and the sub-committee will continue to evaluate water-allocation policies as data-centre projects advance.