Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairperson Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday, 26 September 2026, publicly commended Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for personally intervening in a severe drought crisis gripping 265 talukas across Maharashtra, assuring that the state's farming community would not be abandoned. The remarks came at a press conference outlining the government's multi-pronged relief framework.

What the Relief Package Covers

A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state details the contours of the relief effort. The measures include a complete waiver of land revenue dues, restructuring of agricultural crop loans, and a full waiver of electricity bills for agricultural pump connections. Additionally, fee waivers for students belonging to drought-affected families, establishment of fodder camps, and the immediate execution of water conservation projects are part of the package.

Minister Bawankule stressed that implementation has already commenced, with District Collectors tasked with drinking water planning at the local level. He noted that Chief Minister Fadnavis is personally touring drought-hit regions, listening to farmers' grievances on-site, and converting those commitments into formal administrative orders.

Weekly Reviews and Field Inspections Planned

The Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Bawankule will hold weekly review meetings every Tuesday to track ground-level execution of the relief measures. The minister himself announced upcoming inspection tours to Yavatmal, Wardha, Hingoli, and Nanded — districts among the hardest hit.

In a significant infrastructure policy directive, Bawankule announced he has ordered a halt to all cement road construction in Nagpur and Amravati, arguing that water conservation must take precedence over concrete development. He emphasised the need to strengthen local lakes and curb excessive water usage in swimming pools and large-scale commercial construction projects.

Strict Action Against Exploitation and Negligence

The minister issued a firm directive mandating that crop damage assessments — known as panchanamas — be conducted transparently in the physical presence of the affected farmers to prevent manipulation. Authorities have also been directed to take strict action against illegal moneylenders attempting to exploit farmers in financial distress — a practice that tends to surge during drought conditions.

Bawankule warned against any administrative negligence in executing the relief orders, signalling zero tolerance for lapses at the district and taluka level.

List of Affected Talukas May Expand

The minister clarified that the current count of 265 drought-affected talukas is preliminary, and that additional talukas will be added as field triggers and ground reports are compiled. The state government is simultaneously pursuing maximum financial assistance from the Centre through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to support comprehensive rural rehabilitation.

Government Invites Opposition to the Table

Responding to criticism from the opposition regarding the government's drought management, Bawankule dismissed the claims as misleading. In a conciliatory move, he invited opposition leaders to participate in Cabinet Sub-Committee meetings directly or through SMS communication, stating that protocol would not be a barrier to collaborative dialogue on a crisis affecting millions of farmers.

With the drought list expected to grow and NDRF funds still being sought, the coming weeks will test whether the state's administrative machinery can translate these policy commitments into tangible relief on the ground.