22 September,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File pic)
Amid the concerning drought-like situation in parts of state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, September 22, announced the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee.
CM Fadnavis said that the committee will be chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who will oversee and implement measures addressing drought-like conditions in several parts of Maharashtra, as cited by IANS.
Speaking to the media after chairing the weekly cabinet meeting, CM Fadnavis said, "The state government would extend immediate assistance to affected farmers without waiting for financial aid from the Central Government."
Fadnavis also added that a preliminary notification declaring drought-like conditions would be officially released by Saturday.
During the meeting, ministers reviewed rainfall data, reservoir water levels, and the overall agricultural situation across the state.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister further noted that primary data collection regarding the drought situation was already underway. To facilitate swift decision-making, the newly formed Cabinet Sub-Committee has been vested with full cabinet powers.
The panel chaired by Maharashtra Minister Bawankule will determine relief packages and measures based on statewide field data.
Moreover, official crop damage assessments (panchnamas) are directed to begin tomorrow.
Major crops, including soybean, maize, and cotton, have suffered extensive damage, while paddy fields in the Konkan region have also been severely impacted.
Fadnavis also said that he would personally begin inspecting affected areas starting tomorrow and directed ministers and elected representatives to visit the ground to assess the damage, as per IANS.
He also added that the state would submit a formal proposal for relief funds based on NDRF norms to the Central Government.
Special focus will be placed on drinking water supplies and livestock fodder over the next seven to eight months, coordinated through municipal corporations, municipal councils, and local self-government bodies.
Fadnavis further concluded that ministers would begin touring drought-affected regions from tomorrow; the Cabinet Sub-Committee had been granted full authority to make immediate relief decisions.
As per IANS, the committee will also oversee some key issues, such as the crop damage assessments that will start statewide.
CM also promised that priority allocation for drinking water and fodder supply would begin immediately without waiting for central assistance.
The sub-committee, chaired by Bawankule, includes Girish Mahajan (Minister for Water Resources and Disaster Management), Gulabrao Patil (Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation), Sanjay Rathod (Minister for Soil and Water Conservation), Pankaja Munde (Minister for Animal Husbandry), Dattatray Bharne (Minister for Agriculture), Jaykumar Gore (Minister for Rural Development), Pratap Sarnaik (Minister for Transport), Babasaheb Patil (Minister for Co-operation), and Makarand Jadhav Patil (Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation). Rajesh Agarwal, Chief Secretary.
(With inputs from IANS)
