Maharashtra Drought Crisis: 85% Of Taluks Hit, Farmers Await Relief
Maharashtra is facing a deepening drought crisis, with the Fadnavis government declaring 305 of the state's 358 taluks drought-hit — more than 85% of the total. The government has advanced its drought notification from November to October, citing the severity of the situation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced ₹5,000 in immediate assistance for farmers ahead of Diwali, while another 3.5 lakh farmers have been cleared for debt relief. Banks have been warned against coercive loan recoveries, even as authorities disconnect nearly 16,000 illegal water connections amid mounting pressure on drinking water supplies. Can Maharashtra deliver timely relief to farmers while managing its dwindling water resources?
