Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Announces Drought Mitigation Notification within 3 Days — Centre Aid Sought

Overview The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the media on 22 September 2026 that the state will issue its first notification on drought mitigation within three days. While the state is already extending relief to farmers, it will simultaneously prepare a proposal to obtain financial assistance from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) . Key Developments The state will release a drought‑mitigation notification in the next three days. Financial assistance will be sought from the Centre, but relief measures will continue irrespective of central funds. Ministers and MLAs will visit affected districts of Marathwada and Vidarbha to assess damage and hear farmer grievances. A separate proposal, complying with the legal framework for disaster relief, will be prepared for the Centre. The government emphasized that declaring a drought alone is insufficient; concrete mitigation steps are essential. Important Facts The ongoing drought‑like conditions are a result of a weak monsoon that has hit large parts of Maharashtra . Both Marathwada and Vidarbha are experiencing severe water stress, prompting farmer distress and calls for immediate relief. The opposition has demanded an immediate drought declaration and swift relief measures, highlighting the political pressure on the state administration. UPSC Relevance Understanding the procedural interface between state and central governments in disaster management is crucial for GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Economy). The role of the NDRF illustrates fiscal federalism and the legal timelines governing aid. The regional focus on Marathwada and Vidarbha provides case‑study material for agrarian distress, climate variability, and policy response. Way Forward The state will finalize and issue the drought‑mitigation notification, ensuring that relief reaches farmers without delay. Simultaneously, it will submit a compliant proposal to the Centre for additional funds under the NDRF . Continuous monitoring, field visits by officials, and grievance redressal mechanisms are essential to mitigate the impact of the drought and to demonstrate effective governance.