Maharashtra declares drought in 75% of state amid rainfall deficit

With Maharashtra recording a rainfall deficit of 18% this year, the state government on Saturday declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 tehsils — about three-fourths of Maharashtra. The declaration, under the Drought Management Code, 2016, will trigger crop-loss surveys and a package of immediate concessions, including waiver of land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, a stay on recovery of agriculture-related loans and relaxation of Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) norms.

Financial assistance for crop losses will be decided separately after the assessment is completed, government officials said. The declaration comes as the state enters the final days of the monsoon with a significant rainfall deficit. From June 1 to September 26, Maharashtra has received 798.

2 mm of rainfall against a normal 970.9 mm, a deficit of 18%. Except for five districts, the state has recorded deficient rainfall during the period. The situation is particularly acute in Marathwada, where the eight districts together have recorded a 38% deficit.