An illustration shows a farmer looking at a drought-affected farm. (Photo: ITG)

Drought declared in 74% of Maharashtra despite 'normal' monsoon rainfall

Maharashtra's monsoon may look close to normal on paper, but a long rainfall break has left large parts of the state struggling for water. Here's what is happening.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Maharashtra declares 265 talukas drought-affected, covering 74% area
  • Statewide rainfall deficit at 18%, still labelled 'normal' by IMD
  • Government assessing water, fodder needs and planning relief

Maharashtra has officially declared 265 of its 358 talukas drought-affected, putting nearly three-fourths of the state's administrative blocks under drought measures as a prolonged break in rainfall takes a toll on crops, livestock and water supplies.

The decision, announced through a government notification on Saturday, September 26, covers about 74% of the state.

The impact is particularly visible in parts of Marathwada, where districts such as Dharashiv and Beed have gone without significant rainfall since July, leaving farms, cattle and rural households struggling for water.

An image showing a dried up river bed in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. (Photo: Unsplash)

MAHARASHTRA FACES DROUGHT DESPITE 'NORMAL' MONSOON

At first glance, the state's rainfall numbers may appear less alarming.

The IMD Hydromet data for June 1 to September 25 shows Maharashtra with an 18% rainfall deficit. Under the IMD's classification, rainfall between -19% and +19% of the long-period average is still considered 'normal'.

But that statewide label can, as it has turned out, hide several differences from one region to another.

The government's assessment found several shortfalls in multiple divisions.

 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during an inspection of areas affected by the drought-like situation. (Photo: PTI)

Earlier state data showed the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division with a deficit of 30.8%, while Pune and Nashik divisions were around 30% below normal. Amravati and Nagpur divisions were about 27% below normal.

This is why a state can technically remain within the IMD's 'normal' rainfall band while individual regions experience conditions severe enough to affect crops and water availability.

FARMS BEAR THE BRUNT

The biggest impact is being felt during the kharif season, when farmers depend heavily on monsoon rain for crops such as soybean, cotton, maize, millets, tur, moong and urad.

The prolonged dry spell has already damaged standing crops in several areas, with farmers also reporting increased pest and disease problems.

A farmworker is seen working with cattle in Hingoli, Maharashtra. (Photo: Unsplash)

The state government has begun crop-damage assessments and ground verification to determine the extent of losses.

The concern now extends beyond agriculture.

With rainfall failing to replenish local water sources adequately, drinking water and fodder supplies are emerging as major concerns for rural communities.

Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister has also directed officials to assess water and fodder requirements, while the government prepares relief measures.

Water storage capacity work in Beed district, Maharashtra. (Photo: PTI)

The declaration comes at a critical point in the monsoon season, with monsoon already packing up and leaving from nrother India.

Even though the state's cumulative rainfall falls within the IMD's broad 'normal' range, the distribution of that rain, and its long absence, has left large parts of Maharashtra facing a very different, and concerning, reality on the ground.

- Ends
With inputs from PTI