Maharashtra chief minister cites El Niño drought as state's top emergency

At one outlet Conclave, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis identified the El Niño-induced drought as the most pressing challenge for the state. He reported that about 75% of Maharashtra's crops have suffered, leading to substantial losses. The minister warned that the shortfall could soon translate into shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder.

He noted that over half of the state's area is naturally drought-prone because much of it lies in a rain-shadow region. On September 26, authorities declared drought conditions in 265 of the state's 358 talukas, covering roughly 74% of the region, and introduced relief steps including loan restructuring for farmers, land-revenue concessions, and subsidies on electricity bills. Fadnavis also pointed out the paradox that despite housing 40% of India's major dams, Maharashtra continues to face recurring droughts.