Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Fadnavis Blames MVA As Marathwada Drought Deepens
Marathwada is facing a serious shortage of rain and water.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited areas in Latur and Dharashiv.
He said the region received only about half its expected rainfall.
Many crops, especially soybean, may fail, and some wells have dried up.
Fadnavis blamed the earlier Maha Vikas Aghadi government for stopping a planned water grid.
He said the current government is arranging drinking water, fodder and help for farmers.
The government also plans to provide financial assistance and prepare for Rabi crops.
A proposed project could move floodwater toward Marathwada.
The chief minister said loan-waiver payments would be sent after banks fix mistakes in their lists.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the former Maha Vikas Aghadi government of abandoning the Marathwada water grid project.
Fadnavis said Latur and Dharashiv received only about 50% of normal rainfall, damaging crops and drying wells.
The Maharashtra government said it would provide farmer aid, drinking water, fodder and support for Rabi crops.
A World Bank-approved plan aims to channel floodwaters from Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur into Ujani Dam and then Marathwada.
Fadnavis said loan-waiver payments could reach 6–7 lakh farmers after banks correct errors in submitted lists.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, farmers and the Maharashtra government.
- What
- Fadnavis announced drought-relief measures and accused the former Maha Vikas Aghadi government of abandoning the Marathwada water grid project.
- When
- Wednesday; the government said drinking-water provisions were planned through next June, while another project report is expected by December.
- Where
- Latur and Dharashiv in Maharashtra, with related water plans involving Solapur, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Marathwada.
- Why
- Rainfall in Latur and Dharashiv was reported at about 50% of normal, causing crop losses, dried wells and concerns about drinking water.
- Rainfall deficit
- Latur and Dharashiv received about 50% of expected rainfall, according to Fadnavis.
- Crop impact
- Fadnavis said crops were severely damaged and soybean was unlikely to yield.
- Relief measures
- The government plans direct financial aid, drinking water, fodder and arrangements for Rabi crops.
- Water provision
- Fadnavis said water resources had been reserved for drinking through next June.
- Proposed water transfer
- A World Bank-approved project would channel floodwaters from Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur into Ujani Dam and then toward Marathwada.
- Loan waiver
- Amounts are expected to be transferred to 6–7 lakh farmers after banks correct interest-related errors in their lists.
- Water grid allegation
- Fadnavis alleged that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government abandoned the Marathwada water grid and diverted Jal Jeevan Mission funds elsewhere.