📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sanket Oswal
Weather
Maharashtra declares drought across 265 tehsils, affecting three‑quarters of the state
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 04:02 PM
👁 10
The state government has officially declared drought in 265 tehsils, covering nearly 75% of Maharashtra, prompting emergency measures.
Earlier this week the Maharashtra government announced that drought conditions have been confirmed in 265 tehsils, a region that accounts for almost three‑quarters of the state’s total area. The declaration follows an extended period of below‑average rainfall and depleted groundwater levels across the western and central districts.
The affected tehsils span several districts, including parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and Khandesh, where farmers have reported crop stress and reduced yields. Water scarcity has intensified, with many villages relying on dwindling borewell supplies and government tankers for drinking water.
In response, the state cabinet has activated the drought relief fund and instructed district authorities to expedite the release of financial assistance, seed subsidies and irrigation support to the most vulnerable farmers. Additional measures include the procurement of water tankers and the implementation of crop‑insurance schemes.
Officials warned that the situation could worsen if the monsoon fails to deliver adequate precipitation, and they are monitoring weather forecasts closely to adjust relief efforts as needed.
The affected tehsils span several districts, including parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and Khandesh, where farmers have reported crop stress and reduced yields. Water scarcity has intensified, with many villages relying on dwindling borewell supplies and government tankers for drinking water.
In response, the state cabinet has activated the drought relief fund and instructed district authorities to expedite the release of financial assistance, seed subsidies and irrigation support to the most vulnerable farmers. Additional measures include the procurement of water tankers and the implementation of crop‑insurance schemes.
Officials warned that the situation could worsen if the monsoon fails to deliver adequate precipitation, and they are monitoring weather forecasts closely to adjust relief efforts as needed.