‘Water Shortage After January’: Minister Chandrakant Patil Prays for Rain to Save Maharashtra’s Crops

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th September 2026: Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday prayed for adequate rainfall to save wilting crops and protect farmers from a possible drought crisis, while also appealing to Pune’s Ganesh mandals and devotees to strictly follow restrictions on high-decibel Dolby sound systems and high-intensity laser beams during Ganeshotsav.

Patil made the remarks while speaking to reporters after offering prayers and performing aarti with his wife at the historic Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati in Pune. Punit Balan, festival head of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal Trust, was also present on the occasion.

He expressed concern over the prolonged break in rainfall, saying the situation was affecting standing crops and could lead to drinking water shortages for people and livestock after January.

“Due to the El Niño effect, there has been a prolonged break in rainfall, causing standing crops to wilt and raising the spectre of drought. There are growing concerns about acute drinking water shortages for citizens and livestock post-January,” Patil said.

He said he and his wife pray for the welfare of society and farmers rather than for personal wishes.

“We prayed to Bappa for adequate showers so that these wilting crops can be salvaged and farmers can be rescued from this impending crisis,” he said.

Appeal to Ganesh mandals

Patil also urged Ganesh mandals and devotees to cooperate with the administration and comply with restrictions on Dolby sound systems and laser lights.

“There is a cheerful, auspicious and enthusiastic atmosphere in every household, lane and street. A huge number of people are out on the streets, and the turnout from day one for darshan of public Ganesh mandals has been astonishing,” he said.

At the same time, he appealed to organisers to ensure that the celebrations do not disturb or cause harm to fellow citizens.

“My only appeal to everyone is that no one should disrupt this auspicious atmosphere. The administration has implemented strict decisions regarding Dolby sound systems and laser lights. These curbs are not just for administrative convenience; they are in the best interest of the mandal workers, youth and their families. People must cooperate with the authorities on this front,” Patil said.

He added that the administration remains supportive of legitimate demands from Ganesh mandals, including permission to keep tableau displays (dekhavas) open until midnight.

“Celebrate with full enthusiasm, but ensure it does not cause distress or harm to fellow citizens,” Patil said.