Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has urged the Maharashtra government to ensure that drought relief reaches every farmer affected by the severe dry conditions across the state.
Thackeray made the demand during his visit to drought-hit areas of Marathwada, where he met farmers and inspected damaged crops. His visit comes after the Maharashtra government declared 265 of the state’s 358 tehsils as drought-affected.
Thackeray Says Relief Implementation Is Now The Priority
Thackeray said the immediate focus should be on delivering assistance rather than debating when the drought declaration was made.
He said his party had been seeking an early drought declaration and argued that the government should now ensure that farmers receive the benefits available under the relief package.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also pointed to Karnataka’s earlier declaration while questioning the delay in Maharashtra.
Marathwada Tour To Assess Crop Damage
Thackeray is visiting several drought-affected districts as part of a two-day tour. His itinerary includes Solapur, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Jalna and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
During the visit, he has been meeting farmers and assessing damage to standing crops. He inspected affected farmland at Khanapur village in Tuljapur tehsil of Dharashiv district before speaking to reporters.
Drought Impact Could Extend Beyond Farms
Thackeray also warned that prolonged dry conditions could create problems beyond the agricultural sector.
He linked the situation to the wider availability of water and the potential impact on urban areas. He called for the Maharashtra government and the Centre to coordinate their response and prepare measures to deal with the broader consequences.
The state has already been taking steps to assess crop damage and provide assistance in drought-affected areas. The government has also indicated that relief measures would cover areas such as crops, fodder and water.
Rainfall Deficit Raises Concern For Farmers
The drought situation follows a prolonged period of uneven rainfall across Maharashtra. Recent assessments have highlighted significant rainfall deficits in several districts, particularly in parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha, where soybean, cotton and other kharif crops have suffered from prolonged dry spells.
With crop damage assessments continuing, farmers are now awaiting clarity on the extent and timing of financial assistance.
Thackeray has called for the relief process to reach all eligible farmers without delays as the state deals with the continuing impact of the dry spell.
