Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Forms Drought Panel as Field Assessments and Relief Begin
Maharashtra has gone through a long period with too little rain.
This has damaged crops such as soybean, cotton and maize.
Paddy in some parts of Konkan has also been hurt.
The government will send officials to fields on Wednesday to measure the damage.
These inspections are called panchnamas.
A special group of ministers led by Chandrashekhar Bawankule will coordinate help.
The government says drinking water and food for farm animals must come first.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other elected representatives plan to visit affected villages.
The government also says it will begin helping farmers while seeking support under national relief rules.
Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal says the government has not provided enough assistance.
Maharashtra will begin field-level crop-loss assessments, called panchnamas, on Wednesday.
Soybean, cotton and maize have suffered significant damage, while paddy in parts of Konkan was also affected.
A drought-relief cabinet sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will coordinate assistance.
The government said drinking water and livestock fodder are immediate priorities, with planning extending seven to eight months.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a preliminary drought notification would be issued by Saturday, while Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the response.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is coordinating the response through a cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule; Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the government.
- What
- The state ordered crop-loss assessments, formed a drought-relief cabinet panel and announced assistance and mitigation measures.
- When
- The announcements were made on September 22, 2026; field assessments and planned visits begin Wednesday, and a preliminary drought notification is expected by Saturday.
- Where
- Affected areas across Maharashtra, especially Marathwada and parts of Konkan.
- Why
- A prolonged absence of rain has damaged kharif crops and increased demands for compensation, drinking water, livestock fodder and a formal drought declaration.
Government response
Congress criticism
Speed and adequacy of relief
Government response
The government says it will begin field surveys, provide state-level assistance without waiting for central funds, and prioritise water and livestock fodder.
Congress criticism
Harshvardhan Sapkal alleges that farmers are not receiving adequate assistance and has called for stronger relief action.
Drought declaration
Government response
The government says it is collecting rainfall, water-storage and crop data before issuing a preliminary notification and deciding where drought conditions exist.
Congress criticism
Farmer organisations and opposition parties are demanding a formal drought declaration and financial assistance.
Electoral-roll revision
Government response
The government is proceeding with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and did not extend its deadline.
Congress criticism
Sapkal criticised the decision, arguing that population changes could eventually affect budgetary allocations.
- Field assessments
- Panchnamas of crop damage are scheduled to begin in affected areas on Wednesday.
- Affected crops
- Soybean, cotton and maize were reported significantly damaged; paddy in parts of Konkan was also affected.
- Relief panel
- The cabinet sub-committee is headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
- Panel authority
- The committee was given powers to monitor conditions and make assistance-related decisions based on ground assessments.
- Immediate priorities
- Drinking water and fodder for livestock, with planning for the next seven to eight months.
- Drought notification
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a preliminary notification would be issued by Saturday.
- National assistance
- The state will follow National Disaster Response Fund norms and submit a proposal to the Centre, while beginning state-level relief.
