Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Cancels Leave as Drought Hits 265 Talukas
Maharashtra has received less rain than needed, causing serious drought conditions.
The government declared 265 of the state’s 358 talukas drought-affected.
It said nearly 75 percent of Maharashtra is facing drought-like conditions.
Government workers from 11 departments were told to cancel their leave and inspect farms.
They will measure how much crops have been damaged, especially soybean crops.
The government may help farmers by changing crop-loan payments, reducing land-revenue charges, and subsidizing power bills.
A cabinet group will compare possible help under crop insurance and disaster-fund rules.
Officials said they must finish checking the damage before deciding the final amount of assistance.
Congress workers protested during the minister’s visit and asked for immediate help.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas amid a rainfall deficit.
The government cancelled leave for employees in 11 departments involved in drought management.
Officials were ordered to conduct field assessments of crop damage, with soybean among the worst-affected crops.
Potential relief includes crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions, and power-bill subsidies.
Congress workers stopped Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s convoy and demanded immediate farmer relief.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, affected farmers, government employees, and Congress workers.
- What
- The state declared drought in 265 talukas, cancelled leave for 11 departments, and ordered field assessments of crop losses.
- When
- The drought declaration was reported on Saturday, while Bawankule’s assessment-tour statements and leave-cancellation announcement were reported on Monday, September 28.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Arati village and five drought-affected talukas in Hingoli district.
- Why
- The measures followed a rainfall deficit and widespread crop damage, particularly to soybean.
Immediate Relief Advocates
Assessment-First Government
Timing of assistance
Immediate Relief Advocates
Congress workers demanded immediate relief for farmers during their protest against the minister’s convoy.
Assessment-First Government
The government said financial assistance should be decided after comprehensive crop-loss assessments are completed.
Basis for compensation
Immediate Relief Advocates
The protesters cited widespread drought conditions and crop damage as grounds for urgent action.
Assessment-First Government
The government said it would compare benefits under crop insurance and National Disaster Response Fund norms and consider the higher eligible benefit, subject to applicable provisions.
- Drought-affected talukas
- 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas
- Estimated drought-like coverage
- Nearly 75 percent of Maharashtra
- Departments involved
- 11 departments responsible for drought management
- Worst-affected crop mentioned
- Soybean
- Possible relief measures
- Crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions, and power-bill subsidies
- Assistance standards
- Crop-insurance provisions and National Disaster Response Fund norms
- Final assistance decision
- To be made after crop-loss assessment reports are consolidated
- Hingoli leave order
- Government employees cannot take leave without the district collector’s permission
