The Maharashtra government has declared 265 of the state’s 358 talukas as drought-affected, covering 74% of the state. The decision follows a rainfall deficit and prolonged dry spells reported across 32 districts. Most of the drought-affected talukas are in Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Nashik, Latur, Beed, Buldhana, Amravati, Yavatmal, Nagpur and Chandrapur.

The state government has announced several relief measures, including restructuring of crop loans, concession in land revenue, deferment of recovery of agriculture-related loans and concessions in electricity bills for agricultural pumps. District collectors have been directed to assess crop losses and submit reports with photographs and GPS coordinates.

The measures also include waiving examination fees for school and college students, relaxing norms under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, deploying water tankers wherever necessary and ensuring uninterrupted power supply to agricultural pumps in water-scarce villages. Arrangements will also be made for drinking water, foodgrains and fodder.

The state recorded an 18.8% rainfall deficit between June and September 18. A separate government resolution will be issued on financial assistance for crop losses after completion of the prescribed assessment procedure.