📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sanket Oswal
Agriculture
Maharashtra government declares 265 of 358 talukas drought‑affected
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 12:16 PM
👁 8
The state government has officially listed 265 out of 358 talukas as drought‑affected after a recent rainfall assessment.
Maharashtra’s climate and water resources department announced on Thursday that 265 of the state’s 358 talukas have been classified as drought‑affected. The assessment was based on recent monsoon shortfalls and groundwater level data collected across the region.
The declaration follows a comprehensive survey that compared rainfall received during the current season with historical averages. Areas that recorded significantly below‑average precipitation and showed declining water tables were included in the list.
State officials indicated that the designation will enable the affected talukas to access relief schemes under existing drought mitigation programs. Details of the specific assistance to be provided have not been released yet.
The government has urged local administrations to prioritize water conservation measures and to coordinate with farmers to mitigate the impact of the water shortage.
The move comes as several parts of western and central Maharashtra continue to grapple with low soil moisture and reduced crop yields, raising concerns among agricultural stakeholders.
The declaration follows a comprehensive survey that compared rainfall received during the current season with historical averages. Areas that recorded significantly below‑average precipitation and showed declining water tables were included in the list.
State officials indicated that the designation will enable the affected talukas to access relief schemes under existing drought mitigation programs. Details of the specific assistance to be provided have not been released yet.
The government has urged local administrations to prioritize water conservation measures and to coordinate with farmers to mitigate the impact of the water shortage.
The move comes as several parts of western and central Maharashtra continue to grapple with low soil moisture and reduced crop yields, raising concerns among agricultural stakeholders.