Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are leading field inspections across drought-affected regions as the state government steps up efforts to assess crop damage and prepare immediate relief measures, IANS reported.

Deficit rainfall attributed to the Al Nino phenomenon has affected crops across Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and parts of Western Maharashtra. The situation has also raised concerns over drinking water availability and livestock fodder, putting additional pressure on farming communities.