Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Declares Drought Across 265 Talukas Amid Rainfall Deficit
Maharashtra has had much less rain than usual this year.
The state declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas.
Long gaps between rains and dry conditions have harmed crops grown during the monsoon season.
Marathwada has been hit especially hard, while western Maharashtra has had more rain.
The government has ordered local authorities to cut water use by at least 10% starting October 16.
It has also announced help such as loan relief, drinking water, foodgrains and fodder.
Officials will survey crop losses before deciding how much financial help farmers may receive.
Drought can involve not only low rainfall but also shortages of water and moisture needed by crops.
On September 26, Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas across 36 districts.
The state received 798.2 mm of rain from June 1 to September 26, against a normal 970.9 mm—a deficit of 18%.
The India Meteorological Department said 31 districts were rain-deficient, with 20 recording deficits of 25% to 58%.
Marathwada had 38% less rain than normal and Vidarbha 27%; western Maharashtra was relatively better off.
Relief measures include crop-loss surveys, loan and land-revenue concessions, water and fodder arrangements, and electricity-bill relief.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government and people in 265 drought-declared talukas, including farmers and rural households.
- What
- The state declared drought in 265 talukas and announced immediate relief measures.
- When
- The declaration was made on September 26; a minimum 10% water cut was directed from October 16.
- Where
- Maharashtra, across 36 districts.
- Why
- Rainfall was 18% below normal statewide, with prolonged dry spells and substantial regional deficits affecting crops and water supplies.
- Drought declaration
- 265 of 358 talukas across 36 districts
- Rainfall recorded
- 798.2 mm from June 1 to September 26, compared with a normal 970.9 mm
- Statewide rainfall deficit
- 18%
- Rain-deficient districts
- 31 of 36, according to the India Meteorological Department
- Regional deficits
- Marathwada: 38%; Vidarbha: 27%
- Water-use direction
- A minimum 10% water cut from October 16 for municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats
- Relief measures
- Include land-revenue waiver, crop-loan restructuring, a stay on recovery of agriculture-related loans, and drinking water and fodder arrangements
- Crop-loss assistance
- Financial assistance will be decided separately after crop-loss surveys