20 April,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
The Maharashtra government has stepped up preparedness measures to tackle a possible impact of El Nino, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directing departments to prioritise water management, conservation works and coordinated planning ahead of the monsoon, reported PTI.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Fadnavis emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate the potential effects of erratic rainfall. He called for better planning of available water resources, faster execution of conservation projects and immediate repair and rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reported PTI.
Officials were instructed to ensure strong coordination between departments to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the impact of El Nino is expected to peak during August and September, with forecasts indicating below-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, reported PTI.
While temperatures in May may remain relatively moderate, authorities have warned of an increased likelihood of heatwave conditions. Officials also noted that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole could partially offset adverse weather effects.
Fadnavis pointed to the 2015 El Nino year, when water storage levels dropped significantly despite the monsoon. He noted that current storage levels are already comparable to pre-monsoon levels seen during that period, underlining the need for timely intervention, reported PTI.
He added that lessons from previous years, including improved crop protection strategies, must guide current planning, especially in drought-prone regions such as Marathwada.
The Chief Minister directed that key initiatives such as the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana and related programmes be implemented on priority with immediate allocation of funds, reported PTI.
He also called for accelerating projects under the Rural Employment Guarantee framework to maximise water conservation efforts across districts.
District-level task forces will be set up, involving administrative officials and local bodies, to monitor implementation and ensure accountability.
Highlighting the risks to agriculture, Fadnavis stressed the importance of protective irrigation to reduce crop losses during dry spells. He warned that rainfall below 90 per cent of normal could severely impact both drinking water supply and farming, reported PTI.
Special attention has been directed towards ensuring adequate fodder availability for livestock, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Solapur, Sangli and Marathwada. Authorities have been asked to promote local fodder cultivation to reduce dependence on external supply.
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said the department has initiated preparations to minimise disruption during the kharif season.
He stressed the need for timely fertiliser supply and monitoring of distribution channels to prevent shortages. Plans are also in place to ensure seed availability in case of re-sowing and to strengthen farm infrastructure, including the use of farm ponds, reported PTI.
Fadnavis underscored that planning must not be limited to the current monsoon but should also account for the next summer. He called for efficient storage and judicious use of water resources to ensure long-term resilience.
The state government has indicated that it is fully prepared to respond to emerging challenges and aims to minimise the impact on farmers and rural communities through early and coordinated action.
(With inputs from PTI)
