📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Weather
Maharashtra CM says drought could be worse than 1972
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 01:16 PM
👁 11
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned that the present drought in Maharashtra may exceed the severity of the 1972 drought, raising concerns over water scarcity and agriculture.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told reporters that the ongoing drought in Maharashtra is shaping up to be more severe than the historic 1972 episode, which caused widespread distress across the state. He highlighted that rainfall deficits this year have been markedly higher than the long‑term average, especially in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
The agriculture department has reported that crop sowing in several districts is already under stress, with many farmers facing a shortage of irrigation water. Reservoir levels are at a fraction of their capacity, and groundwater tables have dropped sharply, prompting fears of a prolonged water crisis.
In response, the state government has activated emergency water supply schemes, accelerated the release of water from major dams, and urged the central government to expedite additional relief funds. Officials are also monitoring the situation closely to decide on further interventions such as crop insurance extensions and targeted subsidies.
Shinde reminded that the 1972 drought led to massive migration and loss of livelihoods, and he urged citizens to conserve water while the administration works to mitigate the impact.
The agriculture department has reported that crop sowing in several districts is already under stress, with many farmers facing a shortage of irrigation water. Reservoir levels are at a fraction of their capacity, and groundwater tables have dropped sharply, prompting fears of a prolonged water crisis.
In response, the state government has activated emergency water supply schemes, accelerated the release of water from major dams, and urged the central government to expedite additional relief funds. Officials are also monitoring the situation closely to decide on further interventions such as crop insurance extensions and targeted subsidies.
Shinde reminded that the 1972 drought led to massive migration and loss of livelihoods, and he urged citizens to conserve water while the administration works to mitigate the impact.