Overview
- The Maharashtra government declared 265 of 358 talukas drought-affected on Saturday, covering about 74% of the state and putting Trigger-1 of the Drought Management Code into effect.
- Officials cited an 18.8% statewide rainfall shortfall from June 1 to September 18 with some divisions showing roughly 27–31% deficits and several districts recording 40–50% shortages.
- A 12-point relief package was announced that includes land revenue concessions, restructuring and moratoriums on crop loans, expanded electricity bill relief for agricultural pumps, and measures for water tankers, fodder and foodgrain supplies.
- District collectors were ordered to begin immediate panchnamas with geotagged photographs and GPS coordinates to document losses, and the government said a separate GR will specify financial assistance for crop damage after those surveys are compiled.
- Farmers and opposition parties demanded faster, larger direct payouts and broader loan relief, and officials warned that delayed compensation could deepen rural distress, raise debt pressure and increase demand for employment and water-conservation works.