Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas: Relief Measures for Farmers, Loans, Electricity, and Water

Maharashtra has officially declared drought across 265 of its 358 talukas, covering nearly 75% of the state. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, comes after a prolonged dry spell. Relief measures include land revenue relief, crop loan restructuring, suspension of loan recovery, agricultural electricity bill waivers for pumps up to 7.5 HP, and no disconnection of farm pump connections. The government also ordered crop damage assessments using photographs and GPS data. Other benefits include examination fee exemptions for students, relaxed norms for employment guarantee works, drinking water tankers, foodgrains for agriculture-dependent families, and fodder arrangements for livestock. Large-scale water conservation works are planned. These steps are a direct response to climate stress and highlight the growing need for long-term water management and climate resilience in Indian agriculture.