Maharashtra: 11 Talukas in Pune District Declared Drought-Prone

Pune, 22nd November 2023: As the drought situation intensifies in the state, concerns over water scarcity and the availability of animal fodder have taken center stage, with many areas experiencing the impact as early as November. The crisis has now extended its reach to Pune district, where 11 talukas have been officially declared as drought-prone.

The declaration comes in response to the worsening drought conditions in various parts of the state, prompting the state government to acknowledge the severity of the situation. In Pune district, Baramati and Purandar talukas have been designated fully drought-prone, while Indapur, Shirur, and Daund talukas have been categorized as partially drought-prone based on central criteria.

The state government has expanded the scope of drought declarations to include revenue boards in all talukas except Mulshi and Velhe in the district, bringing the total number of drought-prone talukas to 11.

Villages experiencing less than 75 percent of the average rainfall from June to September have been incorporated into the drought-declared areas. The scarcity-like conditions are attributed to a significant rainfall deficit, highlighting the severity of the drought’s impact on these regions.

With the declaration of drought in Pune district, authorities are expected to implement measures to address water scarcity, support affected communities, and mitigate the challenges posed by the worsening agricultural and environmental conditions. The situation underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts and resources to alleviate the impact of the drought on both rural and urban communities in the affected regions.