The Maharashtra government on Saturday declared 265 of the 358 talukas in the state as drought affected. The state government has activated ‘Trigger-1′ under its manual for drought management 2016 (updated in 2020) and Drought Management Code to declare drought conditions and initiate relief. The 265 talukas where ‘Trigger 1’ has been activated cover around 74 per cent of the state’s talukas.
The government has announced a series of relief measures for these regions. Relief has also been announced on agricultural electricity bills. Power connections to agricultural pumps in water-scarce villages will not be disconnected.
pumps with higher capacity will also receive concessions While electricity bills for agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower had already been waived.
The government has ordered an immediate stay on the recovery of agriculture-related loans and restructuring of crop loans. The government has also ordered arrangements for drinking water and fodder. Tankers will be deployed wherever required, while arrangements for cattle fodder and water will be made in advance.
