Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas amid severe water shortages

Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas after a deficient monsoon left rivers, reservoirs and village water sources severely depleted. The declaration came as the 10-day Ganesh festival ended. In Kalamb town in Dharashiv district, authorities had to create temporary ponds with tanker water because the Manjara river and surrounding water bodies were dry.

The Hindu reported that residents also asked for large idols to be taken to a nearby quarry containing residual water. In parts of Latur district, one Ganesh mandal carried its idol to a tehsil office to ask where it could be immersed. The India Meteorological Department data cited by the newspaper showed deficient rainfall in 20 of Maharashtra’s 36 districts.

Reservoirs in Marathwada were at 46% capacity, compared with 81% at the same time the previous year. Storage in the Amravati division of Vidarbha had fallen to 64%, from 85% a year earlier. Officials had urged communities to avoid traditional immersion, donate idols, preserve them for the following year or use symbolic immersion.

In Amravati, however, the civic body deployed tankers to provide water for the ceremonies. The shortage has also affected funeral rites. A resident of Beed said his family had to transport tanker water from borewells before carrying out a tenth-day ceremony.

The report said farmers were seeking urgent relief, with one source estimating that 85% of crops had failed in areas visited across Marathwada. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government would provide compensation, water and foodgrains, and ensure children continued their education.