The Maharashtra government has declared drought across 265 of the state’s 358 talukas. The declaration was made on September 26, covering about 74 percent of talukas.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced 12 relief measures. These include crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and power bill subsidies for farmers. The measures also cover school fee waivers and employment guarantees.

Officials have ordered panchnamas, or field assessments, to estimate crop damage. The state blamed a weak monsoon linked to the developing El Nino. Scientists say El Nino could peak in February. The declaration covers Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra and the Pune division. A cabinet subcommittee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will coordinate relief. The state activated Trigger-1 after a rainfall deficit of over 25 percent and a 21-day dry spell. Class 10 and 12 students will get exam fee waivers.

Farm leaders welcomed the declaration but demanded quick disbursal of aid. Past drought relief has been slow to reach farmers. The opposition has called for a special assembly session on the crisis. The state will review the situation in December.