27 September,2026 06:46 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said the weather pattern was expected to peak around February before weakening as the Pacific Ocean cools. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday raised concerns about the possibility of El Nino intensifying in the coming months as he announced that the state government has began crop-loss assessment in 265 drought-hit talukas, reported the PTI.
He said the weather pattern was expected to peak around February before weakening as the Pacific Ocean cools.
"Considering these possibilities, we should prepare in every way and be ready to face issues if the El Nino effect intensifies," he said, the news agency reported.
The warning comes as Maharashtra is already dealing with significant rainfall shortages.
State data cited in reports showed an 18.8 per cent rainfall deficit between June and September 18.
The Maharashtra government has started preparing crop inspection reports in the 265 talukas declared drought-affected, and appropriate assistance will be provided to farmers after the assessments are completed, CM Fadnavis said, according to the PTI.
The government declared drought in 265 of the state's 358 talukas, covering around 74 per cent of the state, following deficient rainfall and prolonged dry spells. The decision has triggered a package of relief measures for affected farmers and rural communities.
Fadnavis said the government had already begun the process of preparing crop inspection reports and was working to complete the procedures required before financial assistance is announced.
"The assistance will be provided to the affected talukas," Fadnavis said, adding that 12 emergency measures had been approved and orders for their implementation had already been issued, as per the PTI.
District collectors have also been directed to assess crop damage and document the condition of affected areas, including through photographs and GPS coordinates.
Fadnavis said the government had received some complaints from farmers and others about certain talukas not being included in the drought declaration, the news agency reported.
However, he said the number of such complaints was small and assured that crop losses would also be assessed in those areas.
He said farmers who have suffered crop losses would be covered under Trigger Three, reiterating that no affected farmer would be left out, reported the PTI.
The state government has announced a series of relief measures following the drought declaration. These include restructuring crop loans, concessions in land revenue, postponement of recovery of agriculture-related loans and concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps.
Other measures include relaxing norms under the rural employment guarantee scheme, deploying water tankers where required and making arrangements for drinking water, foodgrains and fodder.
Fadnavis also stressed the need for each district to prepare a water-use plan.
He said water should be reserved from existing stocks to meet requirements through July and August 2027. Where reservoirs have excess water after meeting drinking-water and other essential requirements, the surplus could be considered for Rabi crops or industrial use.
"Instead of taking a blanket position for all, decisions should be made based on the water availability in each district and each taluka," he said, the PTI reported.
(with PTI inputs)
