Maharashtra adds 40 talukas to drought list, taking total to 305; ₹5,000 aid per farmer before Diwali
On 14 October 2026, the Maharashtra Cabinet added 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, raising the total to 305 of the State's 358 talukas, and announced ₹5,000 advance aid per farmer before Diwali.
Summary
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said after the Maharashtra Cabinet meeting on 14 October 2026 that 40 more talukas have been declared drought-hit, raising the total from 265 to 305 out of the State's 358 talukas; a supplementary Government Resolution has been issued. All 12 standard drought relief concessions will apply to these talukas, and ₹5,000 will be deposited in each farmer's bank account before Diwali as initial assistance. The State has also ordered GPS tracking of water tankers, as Marathwada faces severe water stress.
Key facts
- Decision
- Maharashtra Cabinet, 14 October 2026
- Chief Minister
- Devendra Fadnavis
- Talukas added
- 40
- Total drought-hit talukas
- 305 (earlier 265) of 358
- Relief
- All 12 standard drought concessions; ₹5,000 per farmer before Diwali
- Water
- GPS tracking of water tankers; Marathwada worst hit
Practice MCQs 2 questions
After adding 40 talukas in October 2026, how many talukas of Maharashtra are on the drought-hit list?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 305
How much initial assistance per farmer did Maharashtra announce in October 2026, to be deposited before Diwali in drought-hit areas?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹5,000