Maharashtra BJP leaders seek drought tag for Latur as crops wilt, water sources dry up

BJP leaders in Maharashtra's Latur district have urged the state government to declare a drought in Latur and other parts of Marathwada, citing scanty rainfall and rising concerns over crops, drinking water and cattle fodder. They have also sought immediate relief measures for farmers facing losses after a prolonged dry spell.

Latur Rural MLA Ramesh Karad submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, seeking an immediate drought declaration and support for affected farmers.

Former Latur MLA and BJP leader Shivajirao Patil Kavhekar has also appealed for a drought declaration and financial assistance, while raising concerns over pending crop insurance payments and water supply projects.

Karad said soybean and sugarcane, which are central to the rural economy, were under severe stress because of the lack of rain. “Farmers have already spent heavily on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, farm operations and labour. They are now staring at the possibility of losing their entire investment,” he claimed.

He said the situation was no longer limited to crop losses and had become a serious threat to the rural economy, as farmers depend on the kharif harvest to repay loans, meet household expenses and prepare for the next agricultural season.

He also pointed to concerns over water and fodder availability, saying rivers, streams, lakes and wells were gradually drying up, while falling groundwater levels could worsen drinking water availability for people and livestock in the coming weeks.

Karad urged the government to immediately carry out crop damage assessments, review the water and fodder situation, and announce drought relief for Latur Rural and other drought-hit parts of Marathwada.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kavhekar said delayed and inadequate rainfall had affected soybean, tur, moong, urad and jowar crops, with growth stunted in several areas. He said farmers in some places were at risk of losing their entire investment in cultivation.

He also raised the issue of pending crop insurance compensation for the 2025 kharif season, claiming that farmers in 60 revenue circles of Latur district were still waiting for payouts even after May 2026. He urged the government to coordinate with insurance companies and ensure the compensation was credited to farmers' bank accounts without further delay.

Kavhekar also highlighted the worsening drinking water situation in Latur city and called for faster completion of ongoing water supply works. He said a project to bring water from Ujani dam to Manjara dam, inaugurated around 22 years ago by then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, was still incomplete.

He added that work was under way on another project involving a nearly 65-km pipeline from Dhanegaon dam to supply water to Latur city, and said it should be completed on priority to ensure regular water supply.

He also demanded water meters on household connections to prevent wastage and improve management of the city's limited resources.