Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state would have to remain prepared for the possible impact of El Nino next year as a severe drought situation affects a large part of the state. The government has declared drought in 265 talukas, covering around 75 per cent of the state, and implemented 12 relief measures.
Mr Fadnavis said talukas left out of the drought declaration would be reviewed and brought under the Trigger III mechanism wherever necessary.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Mr Fadnavis said experts expected the ongoing El Nino to peak around February 2027 before gradually weakening. He said the government was making advance preparations to deal with any difficulties arising from its impact. “If the effect of El Nino is increasing, we will have to prepare to deal with the problems. We are preparing for it,” he said.
More than two-thirds of Maharashtra is facing drought, raising concerns over drinking water availability for people and livestock in the coming months, the Chief Minister said. He said all 12 relief measures would be implemented immediately in the drought-declared talukas and that assistance would be provided across the board.
“No drought-affected person will be deprived of government assistance,” Mr Fadnavis said. He added that talukas not included in the drought declaration would be examined and, wherever necessary, assistance would be provided under the Trigger III mechanism.
“We have also received complaints that some talukas have not been covered under the drought list. Assessment of crop damage will be carried out in those talukas. The affected farmers will be brought under Trigger III and assistance will be provided to them,” the chief minister said.
On drinking water availability, Mr Fadnavis said all district administrations had been asked to prepare plans, with drinking water being given the highest priority. Water reserves would be maintained for drinking purposes until July-August, while the possibility of releasing surplus water for the rabi season or industries would be assessed depending on availability.
The Chief Minister also appealed to people to remain sensitive to the drought situation and cooperate with the government’s efforts. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary expenditure and extend financial or other assistance wherever possible, including by providing fodder to drought-affected areas.
Meanwhile, Mr Fadnavis said the flood situation in Bhamragad and parts of Gadchiroli district, caused by heavy rainfall in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, was being closely monitored. He said he was in constant touch with the district administration and that rescue teams had been deployed wherever required.
People had been evacuated from flood-affected areas to safer locations, he said, adding that the situation was expected to improve as floodwaters receded.
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