Maharashtra to issue drought notification in three days

Mumbai: Maharashtra will issue its first notification on drought mitigation measures within three days and subsequently seek financial assistance from the Centre after completing the required assessment, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis said the government had already begun relief measures in areas affected by inadequate rainfall and would not wait for Central assistance before extending support to farmers.

He said the formal process for declaring drought involves assessing indicators such as rainfall, crop damage and water availability. Field-level assessments have been initiated to determine the extent of crop losses and the impact of the dry spell.

The state is expected to undertake detailed crop-loss assessments after October 5 as part of the procedure for seeking assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund framework. A proposal will be submitted to the Centre after the required assessment and documentation are completed.

The development comes amid demands for a formal declaration of drought-like conditions in several parts of the state. Officials have begun surveys in affected regions, including Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is overseeing the assessment process, while officials have been directed to collect data from affected areas.

The government has said relief will be provided based on the extent of damage established through the assessment. The formal drought declaration process is still underway.