Maharashtra CM, Deputy CM survey drought-affected areas amid relief efforts

Maharashtra's top leadership has launched on-ground assessments of drought-affected districts as the state grapples with acute water scarcity and agricultural stress. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited multiple regions to evaluate ground-level conditions and review relief operations in affected areas.

The leadership's tour comes after Fadnavis announced the constitution of a subcommittee dedicated to addressing the drought crisis. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been appointed to chair the panel, which will oversee coordination of relief measures and drought mitigation strategies across the state.

The subcommittee's formation signals the government's effort to streamline response mechanisms to the drought emergency, which has impacted large swathes of Maharashtra's farming communities. The panel is expected to expedite decision-making on water management, agricultural support, and livelihood assistance for affected regions.

The simultaneous visits by the CM and DCM underscore the administration's commitment to high-level monitoring of the crisis. Officials accompanying the delegation assessed water availability, crop damage assessments, and the effectiveness of ongoing relief distribution programmes in drought-hit talukas.