Maharashtra’s drought crisis deepens as 265 talukas face severe water and crop stress

Maharashtra is facing one of its most serious drought situations in decades, with the state government declaring a drought across 265 of its 358 talukas in all 36 districts on September 26. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the situation as the worst the state has experienced since 1972.

The crisis has been driven not only by inadequate rainfall but also by prolonged gaps between rain spells during the crucial kharif season. Between June 1 and September 26, Maharashtra received 798.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 970.9 mm, recording an 18 per cent deficit. The India Meteorological Department has identified 31 of the state's 36 districts as rain-deficient, with 20 recording deficits ranging from 25 to 58 per cent.

The impact is particularly severe in Marathwada and Vidarbha, traditionally drought-prone regions. Marathwada has recorded a 38 per cent rainfall deficit, while Vidarbha faces a 27 per cent shortfall. Seven districts — Solapur, Dharashiv, Latur, Hingoli, Jalna, Beed and parts of Nanded — have received only about half their normal rainfall.

The deficient and uneven rainfall has severely affected Maharashtra's kharif crop, cultivated across nearly 147 lakh hectares. Since less than 20 per cent of the state's agricultural land has irrigation facilities, farmers remain heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall.

The government has announced several relief measures under the Drought Management Code, 2016, including land revenue waivers, restructuring of crop loans, a temporary halt on agricultural loan recovery and electricity concessions for agricultural pumps. Tankers will be deployed where drinking water is scarce, while arrangements are being made for foodgrains and fodder.

Authorities have also been directed to impose at least a 10 per cent water cut from October 16, amid concerns over depleted water storage and possible El Niño-related stress extending into next year.

The drought declaration will trigger crop-loss surveys, with compensation to farmers to be determined after assessments. The situation highlights Maharashtra's continuing vulnerability to erratic monsoons, limited irrigation and prolonged dry spells.