Though the govt is yet to officially declare drought, the unusually stringent measures by the collector indicate a likely decision, said top sources. Nagpur/Amravati: The Maharashtra govt has begun an early assessment of drought-like conditions in the state even as a key division under dry spell — Amravati — placed its administrative machinery on high alert.
Amravati Collector Issues Directive Amid Disaster Preparedness
Amravati Collector Yerekar, who also leads the district disaster management authority, has instructed officers from multiple departments—including revenue, agriculture, rural development, urban development, and water resources—to remain at their headquarters unless granted permission to leave. This directive underscores the urgency of maintaining readiness in the face of potential climate-related challenges in the region.
Recent reports said 83 talukas in 19 districts had gone more than 20 days without rain, while rainfall data showed a significant statewide deficit. The state has been experiencing prolonged breaks in the monsoon.
Impact of Weather Variability on Agriculture in Western Vidarbha
In western Vidarbha, prolonged breaks and inconsistent rainfall have significantly affected key crops such as soybean, cotton, tur, moong, and urad. Farmers are increasingly concerned about the erratic irrigation practices and unreliable power supply, which have been exacerbated by delays in the replacement of faulty transformers. These factors contribute to a challenging agricultural environment, impacting both crop yield and farmer livelihoods.