Drought-like conditions raise concerns in Maharashtra; immediate relief announced for farmers.
Drought-like conditions have emerged in several parts of Maharashtra due to a weak monsoon and a prolonged rainfall deficit. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the state government will provide immediate relief to affected farmers without waiting for financial assistance from the Centre. He announced that the first notification regarding drought-mitigation measures would be issued by Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said that the process of conducting damage assessments (*panchanamas*) would begin on September 23. Although this process was originally scheduled to start on October 5, it has been advanced due to the severity of the damage. Soybean, maize, and cotton crops have suffered significant damage in the current situation. Additionally, the paddy crop in the Konkan region has also been affected.
**Cabinet sub-committee formed for relief**
To provide relief to farmers and make swift decisions based on the situation, the government has constituted a cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The committee has been granted powers equivalent to the cabinet, and Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will serve as its secretary. The committee will review reports received from affected areas on a weekly basis; however, major policy decisions will be taken at the state cabinet level.
**Chief Minister and ministers to visit affected areas**
Fadnavis stated that he would visit the affected areas starting September 23. Ministers and public representatives will also visit these regions to interact with farmers and assess the situation on the ground. The subsequent relief process will be determined based on the damage assessments and crop loss surveys.
The state government will prepare a separate proposal under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms to seek financial assistance from the Centre; this implies that central aid has not yet been approved. The government has emphasized prioritizing the supply of drinking water and cattle fodder. Plans are being formulated to arrange for water and fodder for the next 7 to 8 months in coordination with local bodies.
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