Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas

The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 talukas and activated a package of relief measures, while directing district collectors to assess crop damage. The government resolution applies Trigger 1 in the affected areas, where drought criteria were met, and lists concessions and support for farmers, farm workers and residents facing water shortages. The measures include land-revenue relief, restructuring of crop loans and a stay on their recovery, electricity-bill relief for agricultural pumps, and school and college fee exemptions for students in affected areas. The resolution also provides for rural employment works, food-grain and fodder supplies, and drinking-water tankers where needed. It says electricity connections for agricultural pumps are to be maintained in affected villages. District collectors have been instructed to conduct crop-damage assessments and submit reports through the Agriculture Commissioner. The assessments are intended to document crop conditions in the affected areas. The declaration activates the listed measures, but the reports do not establish the extent of crop losses or whether the support has reached farmers.