Central Inter-Ministerial Group Initiates Drought Assessment in Maharashtra
An 11-member team embarks on a four-day tour across Maharashtra to evaluate the ongoing drought crisis.
The team is divided into three groups visiting key regions affected by drought.
Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, impacting 80% of the state.
The group will report findings to the National Disaster Response Force for potential assistance.
An 11-member central inter-ministerial group commenced its tour of Maharashtra on Thursday to evaluate the severe drought conditions affecting the state. Over the next four days, the team will be divided into three groups, each assigned to specific regions: Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha. The final day will see the group convening with state government representatives in Mumbai to discuss their findings.
This assessment follows a meeting between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where Fadnavis sought interim financial assistance of ₹17,500 crore to address the drought crisis. The inter-ministerial group will conduct ground inspections to verify the situation and will compile a report for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which will review the findings alongside the state’s proposal for aid.
The state government has formally requested ₹13,000 crore for crop losses and an additional ₹4,500 crore for managing fodder shortages due to the ongoing drought. Currently, Maharashtra has declared drought conditions in 265 out of its total 358 talukas, which accounts for approximately 74% of the state. Chief Minister Fadnavis has indicated that around 80% of Maharashtra is grappling with drought across 32 districts.
The inter-ministerial group is expected to engage with state officials on Sunday to deliberate on the drought situation and the proposed relief package. This meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps for providing assistance to the affected areas and ensuring that the needs of the farmers and local communities are adequately addressed.
As the drought continues to impact agriculture and livelihoods, the findings from this assessment could lead to significant financial support for the state. The outcome of the discussions and the subsequent report to the NDRF will be closely monitored by stakeholders across Maharashtra, as they await potential relief measures to alleviate the ongoing crisis.
