The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 sub-districts across 34 districts, citing deficient rainfall and water shortages. The affected areas cover large parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, western Maharashtra, northern Maharashtra and parts of Konkan.
The government has announced a package of 12 measures for drought-affected areas, including concessions in land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, deferment of agriculture-related loan recovery and concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps. Examination fee waivers for students and relaxations under NREGS have also been announced.
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Authorities have been directed to arrange tankers for drinking water, fodder and water for livestock, while ensuring electricity connections to agricultural pumps are not disconnected.
District collectors have also been asked to begin crop assessments using photographs and GPS coordinates. The government said crop-loss compensation would be announced separately after completion of the prescribed procedure.
