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Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Warns of Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought
M
Moneycontrol•09-10-2026, 13:34
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Warns of Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought
- •Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that drought caused by El Nino, heavy crop losses, and potential water and fodder shortages are the state's biggest immediate challenges.
- •Nearly 75 per cent of crops across Maharashtra have been affected, leading to massive agricultural losses as the government prepares relief measures.
- •Fadnavis noted that 52 per cent of the state is drought-prone due to its location in the rain-shadow region, despite housing 40 per cent of the country's major dams.
- •The Maharashtra government previously declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, announcing relief measures including crop loan restructuring and power bill subsidies.
Key Questions Answered
The severe drought in Maharashtra was caused by El Niño, a climate pattern involving the abnormal warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean that weakens monsoon winds, leads to dry spells, and triggers high risks of drought.
The Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 out of its 358 talukas, representing about 74 per cent of the state, following a rainfall deficit and subsequent relief measures.
The state government announced several relief measures including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions, and power bill subsidies to help farmers deal with the agricultural crisis.
