Mumbai, Maharashtra — Several districts of Maharashtra are facing a drought-like situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday, after a detailed discussion in the state cabinet. The government has instructed ministers to carry out preliminary assessments in their jurisdictions and put preparedness plans in place.
Immediate review, crop surveys and relief steps ordered
The chief minister said the cabinet considered damage to standing crops caused by a break in monsoon rains and has asked ministers to complete initial reviews within a week. Following the preliminary assessment, the government will conduct official crop surveys (panchnamas) and provide immediate assistance to affected farmers, he added.
"I have instructed them to carry out preliminary assessment in their districts and make preparedness arrangements. I think within the next week we will complete preliminary review. After that we will conduct official crop surveys (panchnamas) and provide immediate assistance," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis also said the state is processing loan waiver lists, with three lists already issued and remaining lists to be cleared on an urgent basis. He assured that the government would make arrangements for drinking water and fodder and provide urgent assistance where required.
State measures aimed at easing fodder and power shortages
Anticipating crises associated with an El Niño pattern, the government launched the ‘Vairan’ development programme, which includes steps to address fodder scarcity. The chief minister said the state has arranged for additional electricity supply in the evenings to support farmers and mitigate hardships caused by the rainfall deficit.
- Preliminary assessments: Ministers to inspect their districts and report within a week.
- Crop surveys: Official panchnamas to follow preliminary review to measure losses and determine relief.
- Financial relief: Loan waiver lists being processed; urgent assistance to be issued.
- Essential supplies: Drinking water and fodder arrangements planned; extra evening power supply provided.
Weather context from IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data cited by the chief minister show that, for the period from June 4 to September 19, India as a whole recorded a rainfall deficit of 15 percent. The Southern Peninsula — which includes Maharashtra — has been the worst affected region, with a deficit of 29 percent. The IMD had earlier declared the southwest monsoon to have covered the entire country on July 9 after its onset over Kerala on June 4.
| Period | India rainfall deficit | Southern Peninsula deficit |
|---|---|---|
| June 4 – September 19 | 15% | 29% |
Implications for farmers and local governance
The chief minister emphasised that urgent action will be taken once official panchnamas quantify crop damage. Farmers facing crop loss typically require immediate cash support, fodder procurement and drinking-water arrangements. The staged approach — preliminary assessments followed by formal surveys — is intended to expedite relief while ensuring loss verification for compensation and loan-waiver eligibility.
Local district administrations will play a key role in the next few days. Officials are expected to identify priority villages, arrange fodder transport where necessary and coordinate power supply schedules to match farmers’ needs in the evening, the CM said.
What residents can expect next
Residents in affected districts should look for announcements from their district collectorates regarding:
- Dates and procedures for official damage surveys (panchnamas)
- How to apply for immediate assistance and loan-waiver eligibility
- Fodder distribution points and water-supply arrangements
Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed confidence that the measures being implemented will provide relief to farmers. The state government will complete the preliminary reviews and follow up with detailed surveys and aid disbursal as required.
Reporting from Mumbai.
