100% drought likely to be declared in Maharashtra by month-end, says Minister

Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil on Monday said the BJP-led Mahayuti government will soon declare 100% drought in the State. Speaking on the severity of the crisis, Mr. Patil said, “In my entire life, I have never seen such a severe drought. All crops, including soya bean, cotton and sugarcane, have suffered due to the dry spell and the loss is huge. The 100% drought declaration is expected by the end of September based on the National Disaster Response Fund norms.”

The Minister said the government has already initiated measures such as fee waiver for students, electricity bill waiver, and deployment of water tankers to provide relief.

The statement assumes significance as it is the first time a Minister has spoken of a 100% drought declaration. So far, the official position of the government has been that crop damage surveys and ground verification would be conducted after October 5.