Maharashtra sets up drought mitigation panel, approves ₹291.91 crore relief for flood-hit farmers

The Maharashtra government on Monday (November 1, 2026) announced measures to address drought and flood-related agricultural distress across the State, constituting a high-level committee headed by the Chief Minister to oversee soil and water conservation projects in drought-affected areas and approving ₹291.91 crore in financial assistance for farmers affected by heavy rainfall and flooding between June and August 2026.

Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said the committee would monitor conservation projects undertaken through non-governmental organisations, including Paani Foundation and Chandra Foundation, as part of the state’s drought mitigation efforts.

The government has also decided to revive Paani Foundation’s Water Cup competition to encourage community participation in water conservation. The measures follow deficient rainfall in parts of Maharashtra during 2026, prompting the government to declare drought in talukas identified under the Kharif season’s Trigger-1 assessment.

According to a government resolution issued on November 2, all Deputy Chief Ministers will serve as co-chairpersons of the high-level committee, which will include ministers from departments such as agriculture, water resources, rural development and employment guarantee.

A separate executive committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, will coordinate implementation and meet at least once a month. Progress will be monitored using geographical information systems (GIS), satellite imagery, mobile-based monitoring systems and online dashboards.

Meanwhile, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil announced that the government had sanctioned ₹262.70 crore for crop damage affecting 3,09,289 farmers across six revenue divisions, including Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, Konkan and Nashik.

An additional ₹29.21 crore has been approved for damage to agricultural land covering 7,675.40 hectares belonging to 34,984 farmers. The assistance will cover eligible restoration work, including the removal of sand, silt and salt deposits caused by flooding.

Crop damage compensation will be transferred directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts, while small and marginal landowners will receive assistance for damaged agricultural land up to a maximum of two hectares, in accordance with prescribed norms.

The government has also directed district collectors to ensure that banks do not divert disaster relief payments towards loan repayments or other recoveries.