Maharashtra Allocates ₹291.91 Crore for Flood Relief and Drought Mitigation
The Maharashtra government establishes a committee to tackle drought and flood impacts while approving significant financial aid for affected farmers.
A high-level committee led by the Chief Minister will oversee drought mitigation efforts.
₹291.91 crore has been allocated for farmers impacted by floods between June and August 2026.
Direct compensation for crop damage will be transferred to farmers' bank accounts.
On November 1, 2026, the Maharashtra government announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the agricultural distress caused by both drought and flooding across the state. A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, has been formed to supervise soil and water conservation projects in drought-affected regions. This committee will also monitor various conservation initiatives implemented by non-governmental organizations, including the Paani Foundation and Chandra Foundation, as part of the state's broader drought mitigation strategy.
The government's decision comes in response to inadequate rainfall in several areas of Maharashtra throughout 2026, which led to the declaration of drought in specific talukas following the Kharif season's Trigger-1 assessment. Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod emphasized the importance of community involvement in water conservation efforts, announcing the revival of the Paani Foundation's Water Cup competition to foster local participation.
In a government resolution dated November 2, it was revealed that all Deputy Chief Ministers would act as co-chairpersons of the newly established committee. This committee will comprise ministers from various departments, including agriculture, water resources, rural development, and employment guarantee schemes. Additionally, an executive committee, led by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of these initiatives, meeting at least once a month to assess progress.
The financial assistance package includes ₹262.70 crore allocated for crop damage, benefiting over 309,000 farmers across six revenue divisions, including Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik. Furthermore, an additional ₹29.21 crore has been earmarked for restoring agricultural land impacted by flooding, covering approximately 7,675.40 hectares owned by nearly 35,000 farmers. This aid will support restoration efforts, including the removal of sand, silt, and salt deposits resulting from the floods.
To ensure timely support, crop damage compensation will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of eligible farmers. Small and marginal landowners will receive assistance for damaged agricultural land, with a cap of two hectares as per established guidelines. The government has also instructed district collectors to prevent banks from using disaster relief payments to offset loan repayments or other recoveries, ensuring that affected farmers receive the full benefits of the aid provided.
