22 September,2026 04:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File pic)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the first notification related to drought mitigation will be issued in three days.
According to PTI, CM Fadnavis said that financial assistance will be sought from the Centre even as the state government will start extending aid to farmers.
While talking to the media, Fadnavis said, "Just declaring drought is not enough. We need to ensure that measures related to drought mitigation are implemented. The first notification will be issued in three days," as cited by PTI.
Several parts of Maharashtra, especially Marathwada and Vidarbha, are witnessing drought-like conditions due to weak monsoon.
On the contrary, opposition has demanded that the government declare drought immediately and extend relief measures.
Fadnavis further reiterated that the state government would not wait for financial assistance from the Centre to provide relief to farmers facing distress due to inadequate rainfall. He also said that a proposal seeking Central assistance would be prepared separately as per NDRF rules.
He said ministers and MLAs would visit affected areas to assess the situation and interact with farmers.
"The state has already initiated relief measures, while the formal process for seeking the Centre's assistance would continue simultaneously," Fadnavis added.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister also highlighted that during drought or excessive rainfall, Central's assistance often comes late because a process must be followed.
"That process has been laid down under a law passed by Parliament, and certain timelines have been prescribed. We will complete all the legal requirements and send the proposal, but we will not wait for that assistance. Whatever help we have to provide, we will continue to provide it," the CM added.
He said ministers and MLAs will interact with farmers who can raise grievances and express their views.
Fadnavis asserted, "We will seek a package from the Centre and financial assistance. We will separately start preparing a proposal," as cited by PTI.
Amid Opposition demands for an immediate drought declaration in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state government had already started implementing drought-relief measures and would not wait for assistance from the Centre to support farmers facing crop losses due to inadequate rainfall, reported the PTI.
Fadnavis said the state would provide assistance from its own funds while following the required procedure to seek financial support under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The Chief Minister said formal crop-loss assessments, or panchnamas, would be carried out after October 5 as required under the rules. The findings would then be used to seek assistance from the Centre.
(With inputs from PTI)
