Maha faces severe dry spell as 83 talukas in 19 districts received no rain for over 20 days
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) With the monsoon taking a prolonged break, Kharif crops across Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis, pushing several districts to the brink of drought. During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several ministers expressed deep concern over the situation. Although no immediate relief package was announced, CM Fadnavis instructed state administrative machinery to stay on high alert. Following Cabinet discussion, the government clarified that a formal drought declaration cannot be made immediately. Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines and Central Drought Management norms, official crop-damage surveys (Panchnamas) and ground verification must be conducted after October 5 to qualify for financial relief. Premature surveys would risk disqualifying farmers from central aid packages. Conducting assessments before that date would disqualify the affected farmers from official relief aid and result in an inaccurate estimation of damage. The government is currently preparing a comprehensive list of relief measures for farmers, and officials have been urged to coordinate effectively. This was stated by the agriculture department in its presentation, government sources have said. The Cabinet reviewed regional reports indicating severe dry spells (ranging from 20 to over 40 days) across 18-19 districts, with Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra being the hardest hit. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the CM instructed all District Collectors and field administration to remain on high alert and prepare preliminary relief proposals. The local administration across affected districts (especially in Marathwada) has been ordered to prioritise and reserve existing dam storage strictly for drinking water purposes to prevent potential urban and rural water crises. While waiting for the official October 5 survey window, the government is drafting emergency relief lists, evaluating fodder supply availability for livestock, and instructing agricultural departments to guide farmers on protective irrigation for the surviving Kharif crops. According to the compilation made by the state agriculture department on region-wise crop status, in Beed, 37.21 per cent of the sown area has been damaged; in Jalna, 27.83 per cent; and 7.06 per cent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, soybean, green gram (moong), black gram (udid), and cotton crops on light soils are drying up. A widespread outbreak of the Yellow Mosaic virus on soybean crops has also been detected. Long dry spells across rain-fed tracts of Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar from Western Maharashtra have put severe stress on moong, udid, soybean, maize, and bajra crops. Yields in these regions are expected to drop by 20 to 25 per cent. In the Vidarbha region, Soybean and cotton crops face significant risk. Several talukas in Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim have reported a 2 to 3-week spell without rain. Soybeans on light soil have withered; farmers with irrigation facilities are using protective watering to save crops. Paddy transplantation has been delayed in parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli due to deficient rainfall. In North Maharashtra, Nandurbar and select talukas of Nashik, the lack of rain has stunted the growth of maize, cotton, and other crops. However, recent rains in parts of Dhule and Jalgaon have brought partial relief to Kharif crops. Nandurbar has received only 46.6 per cent of its normal rainfall. Severe rainfall deficits are reported in Solapur, Kolhapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Washim, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Meanwhile, opposition leaders -- including Vijay Wadettiwar and Solapur MP Praniti Shinde from the Congress, and the Shiv Sena(UBT) leaders -- have demanded the immediate declaration of drought in the affected districts. They highlighted that 19 districts and over 83 tehsils face severe rainfall deficits and looming fodder and water shortages. The opposition has urged the state government to issue an immediate emergency relief package, waive crop loans, and set up fodder camps and tanker water supply without waiting for formal post-monsoon timelines. Mahayuti coalition leaders, including NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, have also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a drought declaration for the hard-hit Marathwada region.
Sarfuddin Kazi, a machinist from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, developed a kerogas stove after studying the working of a petromax and looking for a safer, quieter and more fuel-efficient alternative to conventional stoves. He built the first prototype in 1992 after years of experimentation. The stove could burn for up to eight hours on two litres of kerosene and also provide light.
Road rage: Teen subjected to casteist slurs by four in Beed
Beed: A 17-year-old boy was thrashed and subjected to casteist slurs allegedly by four youths over a minor dispute in Majalgaon tehsil of Maharashtras Beed district, a police official said on Monday, September 14. The incident took place on Saturday afternoon when Siddhant Avghade, a resident of Hivra (Budruk), was returning home on a motorcycle Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Safety Assured as Rail Operations Continue Near Jalgaon
The Central Railway reassures safety after a retaining wall collapse at a Jalgaon overpass, with no impact on rail services. Safety Assured as Rail Operations Continue Near Jalgaons Overpass
NCB Mumbai secures conviction in inter-state drug trafficking case, two get 10 years jail
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) In a significant blow to an inter-state drug trafficking network, the NDPS Special Court in Biloli, Maharashtra's Nanded district, has convicted two traffickers and sentenced them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh each in a case involving the seizure of 1,127 kg of ganja, a statement of the NCB said on Wednesday. The convicts, identified as Gokul Narayan Rajput (32), a truck owner-driver from Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, and Sunil Yadav Mahajan (35), a co-driver from Jalgaon district, were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) Mumbai Zonal Unit on November 15, 2021, while transporting a large consignment of the contraband. Acting on specific intelligence, an NCB team intercepted an Ashok Leyland truck at Manjram village in Nanded district. During a search, officers recovered 49 polythene gunny bags concealed beneath a load of industrial iron rods. The bags contained 112 packets of ganja weighing a total of 1,127 kg. According to the NCB, the investigation revealed that the contraband had been loaded at Ankampalli in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district and was being transported to Jalgaon district in Maharashtra. Probe findings also showed that Rajput had previously been booked in criminal cases related to attempted murder and kidnapping. The truck used for transporting the narcotics, which was owned by Rajput, had already been blacklisted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), but continued to be used for illegal transportation activities, investigators said. During the trial, the prosecution established that both accused were in conscious possession of a commercial quantity of ganja and failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for its possession. The Additional Sessions Judge, Biloli, found both accused guilty under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and sentenced them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh each. The court also ordered confiscation of the seized truck. The NCB said the conviction underscores its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks through effective investigation and prosecution, contributing to the goal of a drug-free India.
Cooperative Panel Dominates Elections at Sarvodaya Educational Institution
Jalgaon, August 18: The Cooperative Panel has achieved a remarkable victory in the Board of Directors elections at the Sarvodaya Educational Institution in Umberkhed, located in the Chalisgaon taluka. Out of 19 seats, they secured 15, while the rival Smriti Panel managed to win only four seats. Voting took place on August 16, with two ... Read more Cooperative Panel Dominates Elections at Sarvodaya Educational Institution
Anil Patil Dismisses Speculations of NCP Joining NDA Amidst Political Rumors in Maharashtra
Jalgaon, July 18: Amidst swirling rumors regarding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar potentially joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), NCP legislator Anil Patil has firmly denied these claims. He emphasized that the recent meeting between Jayant Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should not be ... Read more Anil Patil Dismisses Speculations of NCP Joining NDA Amidst Political Rumors in Maharashtra
Shiv Senas Internal Strife: Kishor Patil Questions Sanjay Rauts Leadership
Jalgaon, June 18: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Kishor Patil has raised concerns over the ongoing fragmentation within the party. He questioned why such turmoil is only affecting Shiv Sena, while other parties seem unaffected. Patil urged Sanjay Raut and other party leaders to reflect on the reasons behind this crisis. He emphasized that the issue ... Read more Shiv Senas Internal Strife: Kishor Patil Questions Sanjay Rauts Leadership
Imam forced to chant Jai Shri Ram, accused apologises after FIR
Hyderabad: A Muslim imam was surrounded by a group of men and forced to chant Jai Shri Ram in Maharashtras Jalgaon district, with an FIR now registered in the case following intervention by AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan. Hafiz Qasam, a resident of Marul village in Jalgaons Yawal taluka, had travelled to Parola village to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Major Twist in Murder Case as Missing Woman Found Alive in Madhya Pradesh
Burhanpur, May 28: In a shocking turn of events, the Jalgaon police in Maharashtra had declared 26-year-old Shivani dead. Her father and brother were arrested in connection with the alleged murder. However, she was later found alive in Madhya Pradesh, as confirmed by police on Thursday. According to Burhanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Bagdi, ... Read more Major Twist in Murder Case as Missing Woman Found Alive in Madhya Pradesh
Over 60 Goats and Livestock Rescued in Jamner Ahead of Bakrid
Jalgaon, May 27: In a significant operation ahead of Bakrid, authorities in Jamner, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, rescued over 60 goats and other livestock from alleged illegal transport and unlawful slaughter. A joint team from the municipal corporation and police conducted surprise raids in various areas on Tuesday. The police have registered a case against the ... Read more Over 60 Goats and Livestock Rescued in Jamner Ahead of Bakrid
Major Anti-Corruption Operation in Jalgaon: Deputy Registrar and Accomplice Arrested
Mumbai, May 21: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) unit in Jalgaon has launched a significant operation against corruption, filing a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Jagdish Baburao Bari, the Deputy Registrar of the Jalgaon Cooperative Society, and a private individual, Devidas Dhansinh Patil. According to the ACB, an investigation was underway regarding illegal ... Read more Major Anti-Corruption Operation in Jalgaon: Deputy Registrar and Accomplice Arrested
ACB Takes Major Action Against Corruption in Jalgaon
Jalgaon, May 20: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jalgaon unit has taken significant action against corruption in the cooperative department by registering a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Jagdish Baburao Bari, the Deputy Registrar of the Jalgaon Cooperative Society, and a private individual, Devidas Dhansinh Patil. According to the ACB, an investigation was ... Read more ACB Takes Major Action Against Corruption in Jalgaon
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar and NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil cited incidents where a police vehicle sent to search for a missing girl in Nagpur apparently did not have diesel, and attack on a petrol pump worker in Jalgaon over alleged fuel shortage
