Maharashtra govt declares drought in 265 talukas, 74% of state hit

Maharashtra government on Saturday declared 265 of the state’s 358 talukas drought-affected, covering 74% of the state’s area. Districts such as Dharashiv and Beed have received no rainfall since July, affecting crops, cattle, and farmers’ and labourers’ daily water needs. Pune and Nashik divisions recorded around a 30% rain deficit, while Amravati and Nagpur divisions recorded a 27% deficit.