Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Begins Drought Assessment for Fishermen and Fish Farming
Some parts of Maharashtra are facing very dry conditions.
This may hurt fishermen and people who raise fish on farms.
Minister Nitesh Rane asked officials to visit lakes, reservoirs and fish-farming sites.
They will check how much water is left.
They will also speak with local fishermen about their problems.
Officials will write down which places and people may be affected.
The information will be sent to district administrations.
The government will then consider help for people who lose income.
Rane said he would also visit areas to see the situation himself.
Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane directed officials to survey drought-affected water bodies and fish farms.
Officials will inspect lakes, reservoirs and other fisheries-related water bodies across Maharashtra.
District teams will record water levels, storage, potentially affected areas and vulnerable talukas.
Officials will identify fishermen facing losses and submit their details to district administrations.
Rane said affected fishermen should receive assistance alongside farmers because fish farming is treated as an agricultural activity.
- Who
- Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane directed fisheries officials, with Fisheries Commissioner Bhanudas Palve and district assistant commissioners participating.
- What
- The Fisheries Department is preparing field surveys and panchnamas to assess drought-like conditions' impact on fishermen and fish farming.
- When
- The review meeting was held on Sunday; officials were directed to begin preparations immediately.
- Where
- Across potentially affected parts of Maharashtra, including lakes, reservoirs, fish farms and other water bodies under the Fisheries Department.
- Why
- To document water scarcity, identify affected fishermen and water bodies, and help determine possible government assistance.
- Lead official
- Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister
- Assessment method
- Field inspections and panchnamas, or spot assessments
- Sites to be inspected
- Lakes, reservoirs, fish-farming locations and other fisheries-related water bodies
- Data to be collected
- Water levels, total storage, affected water bodies and potentially affected talukas
- Affected group
- Fishermen and fish farmers facing losses from drought-like conditions
- Administrative process
- District officials will identify affected beneficiaries and submit details to district administrations
- Meeting location
- Sindhudurg Collectorate