40 More Talukas Declared Drought-Affected in Maharashtra

On October 14, 2026, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared 40 additional talukas as drought-affected following a special cabinet meeting. This raises the total number of drought-affected talukas in the state from 265 to 305.

Key Facts

Drought-Affected Region: Out of Maharashtra's 358 total talukas, 305 have been declared drought-affected, covering approximately 85% of the state's talukas.
Previous Declaration: The state government had previously declared 265 talukas drought-affected on September 26, 2026. 40 new talukas were added on October 14.
Relief to Farmers: The government announced an advance relief deposit of Rs. 5,000 into the bank accounts of eligible farmers before Diwali.
Relief Measures: 12 types of concessions will remain active across drought-affected talukas, including agricultural loan relief, electricity bill concessions, and other financial assistance.
Water Crisis: Groundwater levels in Marathwada reportedly dropped by nearly 3 meters. The government decided to increase drinking water tankers and monitor them via GPS.