Maharashtra Expands Drought Declaration to 305 Talukas, Announces Farmers' Diwali Bonus

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the state government has expanded its drought declaration to cover 305 talukas, an increase from the previously identified 265 areas. In a move aimed at alleviating the financial distress of the state’s agricultural community, the Chief Minister also confirmed that a Diwali bonus of ₹5,000 will be provided to eligible farmers. This financial assistance is slated to be deposited directly into the farmers' bank accounts prior to the festival season, ensuring that affected families have immediate liquidity to manage their expenses during the holidays.Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Mr. Fadnavis underscored the urgency of the intervention. He noted that while drought relief is traditionally distributed in December, the government opted to expedite the process this year due to the severity of the crop damage and current water scarcity. “Earlier, drought was declared in 265 talukas. Today, we have declared drought in a total of 305 talukas. We have checked old records; normally help is given in December. But this time we have declared drought in advance,” he stated. In addition to the bonus, the Chief Minister confirmed that ongoing loan waiver amounts are being credited to the accounts of beneficiaries.The expansion of the drought declaration reflects a worsening environmental situation, with groundwater levels in the region reported to have fallen below three meters. To combat the resulting water scarcity, the government is increasing the deployment of drinking water tankers across the state. To ensure that these resources reach their destinations efficiently, the administration is now implementing GPS-based tracking for all tankers. Furthermore, authorities have identified and disconnected 16,000 illegal water connections as part of a broader effort to secure the supply chain for drinking water.During the same briefing, the state Cabinet formally recognized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years as a head of government, a milestone that began with his appointment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. The cabinet passed a resolution commending the Prime Minister’s leadership and his contributions to national development, particularly focusing on social programs related to housing, healthcare, and sanitation. The resolution specifically highlighted the impact of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme as a model of good governance.Mr. Fadnavis also detailed several infrastructure and development projects in Maharashtra that have received central government support. Among the initiatives mentioned were the construction of the Atal Setu, the development of the Samruddhi Expressway, the progress of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and significant investments in irrigation projects. He emphasized that the state government is currently managing development projects worth ₹12 lakh crore under the Prime Minister’s leadership, with a long-term goal of contributing to India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2029.The Chief Minister further highlighted the state's efforts to support rural employment and rural infrastructure, citing the completion of 29,000 water supply schemes and the creation of approximately 2 crore jobs in rural areas. He also pointed to the development of AURIC City in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the achievement of 100% railway electrification as key milestones. The state cabinet has decided to forward its congratulatory resolution to the Prime Minister as a gesture of gratitude for the support received for these diverse initiatives.As the administration prepares to distribute the Diwali bonus, officials remain focused on the operational challenges presented by the current drought. With the festive period approaching, the government maintains that these measures are critical to mitigating the adverse effects of crop failure and ensuring that basic services, such as drinking water, remain available to the rural population despite the declining water table.