Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 of 358 Sub-Districts Amid Rainfall Deficit

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 of the state's 358 talukas, covering around 74% of the state's sub-districts, following a prolonged rainfall deficit and worsening water scarcity.

The decision was formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Saturday, September 26, after an assessment of rainfall deficiency and other drought-related indicators up to September 24. The affected areas fulfil the Trigger-I criteria under the state's Drought Management Code.

Drought declared across 34 districts

The declaration covers 265 talukas spread across 34 of Maharashtra's 36 districts. Large parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, western Maharashtra, northern Maharashtra and parts of Konkan have been affected.

Among the districts with a high number of drought-affected talukas are Yavatmal (16), Jalgaon (15), Nanded (14), Amravati (14), Ahilyanagar (14), Nagpur (14), Buldhana (13), Chandrapur (12), Solapur (11), Beed (11), Nashik (10), Latur (10) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (9).

The rainfall shortage has affected agricultural operations, water availability and livestock in several regions. Reports from areas such as Dharashiv and Beed indicate that some locations have not received significant rainfall since July, putting pressure on crops and daily water requirements.

12-point relief package announced

Along with the drought declaration, the Maharashtra government has announced a 12-measure relief package for affected areas.

The measures include:

• Concessions in land revenue

• Restructuring of crop loans

• Deferment of recovery of certain agriculture-related loans

• Concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps

• Measures relating to water availability and other drought-related support

The package is intended to provide immediate relief to farmers and rural communities dealing with the impact of inadequate rainfall.

Ground assessment to determine actual farmer assistance

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the actual assistance to farmers would be determined after a ground-level assessment of the affected areas.

The government is expected to assess crop damage and other local conditions before determining the extent of financial assistance.

Why Maharashtra declared drought now

The drought declaration follows growing concerns over rainfall deficiency during the 2026 monsoon season. Earlier this week, an analysis by The Indian Express noted that rainfall shortages had affected agriculture and water availability across parts of the state, with concerns particularly acute in drought-prone regions.

The government has now formally activated drought-related measures in the 265 talukas that meet the prescribed Trigger-I conditions.

With nearly three-fourths of Maharashtra's talukas covered by the declaration, attention will now turn to the implementation of relief measures, crop assessments and the availability of water and agricultural support in the affected regions.