📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Abhijitsathe
Agriculture
Congress leaders press Maharashtra govt to declare Latur district drought-hit, demand relief
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 08:46 AM
👁 12
Congress leaders have urged the Maharashtra government to officially declare Latur district drought‑affected and to roll out immediate relief measures for the region.
Congress party representatives from Maharashtra convened in Latur on Monday, pressing the state government to formally recognise the district as drought‑hit and to launch urgent relief operations. The leaders highlighted the escalating water scarcity that has left wells and boreholes dry, severely affecting agricultural output and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Recent meteorological data indicate that Latur has received far below average rainfall for the past two monsoon seasons, exacerbating an already fragile agrarian economy. Crop failures are mounting, and many households are facing acute water shortages for both irrigation and domestic use.
The party’s appeal calls for immediate measures such as the deployment of water tankers, activation of drought relief funds, and the provision of financial assistance to distressed farmers. They also urged the state to expedite the implementation of long‑term water‑conservation projects.
While the Maharashtra government has not yet issued a formal declaration, officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation and said a review is underway. The outcome will determine the scale and speed of relief interventions for the drought‑stricken district.
Recent meteorological data indicate that Latur has received far below average rainfall for the past two monsoon seasons, exacerbating an already fragile agrarian economy. Crop failures are mounting, and many households are facing acute water shortages for both irrigation and domestic use.
The party’s appeal calls for immediate measures such as the deployment of water tankers, activation of drought relief funds, and the provision of financial assistance to distressed farmers. They also urged the state to expedite the implementation of long‑term water‑conservation projects.
While the Maharashtra government has not yet issued a formal declaration, officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation and said a review is underway. The outcome will determine the scale and speed of relief interventions for the drought‑stricken district.