Maharashtra has expanded its drought-affected talukas list by adding 40 more, bringing the total to 305 out of 358, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday. The state government will transfer ₹5,000 to farmers' bank accounts before Diwali as immediate financial assistance to help mitigate the impact of the drought, according to livemint.com.
The government initially declared 265 talukas drought-affected last month due to a rainfall deficit and had announced relief measures such as restructuring crop loans, waiving land revenue, and providing electricity subsidies. Following complaints and a review, 40 additional talukas were included in the drought-hit list through a supplementary Government Resolution, Fadnavis said after a cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the advance payment was necessary because completing the full administrative process and central assessment would take more time and could not be legally completed before the festival.
This expansion underscores the severity of the drought in Maharashtra, affecting over 85% of its talukas. The government has extended all 12 standard state drought relief concessions to the newly added talukas. The move aims to provide timely support to farmers facing water shortages and crop losses amid one of the worst drought conditions in recent years. The initial drought declaration and relief package were part of efforts to address the widespread agricultural distress caused by deficient rainfall.
The supplementary Government Resolution formalizing the inclusion of the 40 additional talukas was issued this week. The state government’s decision to disburse ₹5,000 in advance to farmers before Diwali marks a significant step in providing immediate financial relief ahead of the full drought assessment process.