Maharashtra Faces Severe Drought: 305 Tehsils Declared Affected
Maharashtra's drought crisis deepens as 305 tehsils are declared affected, with significant crop losses and water scarcity looming.
305 of Maharashtra's 358 tehsils are officially drought-affected.
Rainfall deficit stands at 19%, severely impacting kharif crops.
Farmers are demanding higher compensation amid rising cultivation costs.
Maharashtra is grappling with a severe drought as the southwest monsoon, which typically brings 85% of the state's annual rainfall, withdrew on October 8. The state recorded 804.4 mm of rainfall this season, falling short of the long-term average of 994 mm, resulting in a 19% deficit. This shortfall has devastated the kharif harvest, with nearly 90% of crops suffering, and the outlook for the upcoming rabi season remains grim. The state government has declared a drought in 305 out of 358 tehsils, with more areas likely to be added to this list soon.
The Marathwada region has been hit hardest, experiencing a 39% rainfall deficit. Key tehsils like Georai in Beed district and Lohara in Dharashiv received only 40-50% of their usual rainfall. Vidarbha also reported a significant shortfall of 27%. The government issued a Trigger-1 drought notification in late September, prompting district officials to conduct surveys to assess the situation and determine necessary relief measures for affected farmers.
Farmers in the notified tehsils are eligible for immediate relief, including exemptions from land revenue and restructuring of crop loans. Following a cabinet meeting on October 14, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a relief package of Rs. 5,000 for approximately 1.25 crore farmers in drought-affected areas. However, opposition parties criticized this aid as insufficient given the current economic pressures.
As wells dry up, farmers struggle to irrigate their fields and provide water for livestock. Progressive farmer Ganesh Joshi from Jalana district reported losing most of his crops and facing significant financial losses. Meanwhile, landless laborers are increasingly migrating to urban areas in search of work, exacerbating the crisis. Reports indicate that the number of daily wage seekers in cities has surged, as rural job opportunities dwindle.
The state is also facing a drinking water crisis, with water storage levels in dams significantly lower than previous years. In response, the government has initiated tanker services to supply water to affected villages. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announced a 10% cut in municipal water supplies to manage the crisis. As the drought continues, farmers and laborers alike are urging the government for timely and adequate compensation to mitigate the impact of this calamity.
