India
Maharashtra Forms Drought Panel, Grants ₹291.91 Crore to Flood‑Affected Farmers
On Monday, November 1 2026, the Maharashtra government announced a high‑level committee led by the Chief Minister to oversee soil and water conservation projects in drought‑hit areas. The committee will monitor projects carried out by NGOs such as Paani Foundation and Chandra Foundation. The state also revived Paani Foundation’s Water Cup competition to boost community participation in water conservation.
The government approved ₹291.91 crore in financial assistance for farmers who suffered from heavy rainfall and flooding between June and August 2026. Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said ₹262.70 crore has been sanctioned for crop damage affecting 309,289 farmers across six revenue divisions—Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, Konkan and Nashik. An additional ₹29.21 crore will cover damage to 7,675.40 hectares of agricultural land belonging to 34,984 farmers.
The assistance will pay for restoration work such as removing sand, silt and salt deposits caused by flooding. Crop damage compensation will be transferred directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts. Small and marginal landowners may receive aid for damaged land up to a maximum of two hectares, following prescribed norms. District collectors have been instructed to prevent banks from diverting disaster relief payments toward loan repayments or other recoveries.
A government resolution issued on November 2 states that all Deputy Chief Ministers will serve as co‑chairpersons of the committee, which will include ministers from agriculture, water resources, rural development and employment guarantee. An executive committee chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department will coordinate implementation and meet at least monthly. Progress will be monitored using GIS, satellite imagery, mobile‑based monitoring systems and online dashboards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the new committee formed by Maharashtra?
To oversee soil and water conservation projects in drought‑hit areas, monitor NGO projects, and coordinate with ministries.
How much financial aid has Maharashtra approved for farmers affected by the June‑August 2026 floods?
₹291.91 crore, with ₹262.70 crore for crop damage to 309,289 farmers and ₹29.21 crore for land damage to 34,984 farmers.
How will the flood assistance be disbursed to farmers?
Crop damage compensation will be transferred directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts; restoration work will cover removal of sand, silt, and salt deposits.