Pune: Drought Declared in Eight Talukas, Crop Damage Assessments to Be Completed by October 8
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 1st October 2026: The Maharashtra government has declared drought in eight talukas of Pune district following rainfall-related crop losses, with the district administration directing officials to complete crop damage assessments, or panchnamas, by October 8, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said on Thursday.
The eight drought-affected talukas are Bhor, Velhe, Daund, Indapur, Purandar, Baramati, Shirur and Khed. The declaration is part of the state government’s drought measures covering 265 talukas across Maharashtra.
Dudi said a meeting of officials from various departments was held on Wednesday, following which instructions were issued to complete the crop damage assessments on a priority basis. The assessment reports will be submitted to the state government to facilitate financial assistance and other relief measures for affected farmers.
Joint teams comprising officials from the Revenue, Agriculture and Rural Development departments have been formed for the exercise. The teams have also been given necessary training at the taluka level, Dudi said.
Relief measures for farmers
Apart from the crop damage assessment, the administration has begun implementing various relief measures in the drought-affected areas.
These include concessions in land revenue and exemption from examination fees for school and college students in affected areas.
Recovery of loans linked to agricultural activities has also been stayed.
Dudi said instructions have been issued to nationalised and private banks through the District Deputy Registrar (DDR) and the district lead bank to facilitate restructuring of crop loans.
Concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps will also be provided as per the applicable provisions. The Animal Husbandry Department is preparing plans for fodder depots and fodder camps in areas where they are required.
Water planning for next year
Dudi said the district administration had started planning water use from July based on weather forecasts.
He said Pune district experienced uneven rainfall during the monsoon, with some areas receiving heavy rainfall over short periods followed by prolonged breaks. Despite this variation, the district recorded relatively good overall rainfall, and major dams currently have around 90-95% water storage.
With forecasts indicating the possibility of El Niño conditions in the coming period, the Water Resources Department has been directed to plan water use so that available stocks can last until the next monsoon, Dudi said.
The administration is also monitoring drinking water availability in villages and hamlets. Water tankers are being deployed immediately in areas facing severe drinking water shortages based on local requirements, he added.
