Maharashtra Floods: CM Fadnavis Unveils ₹31,628 Crore Relief for Rain-Affected Farmers, Details Compensation Breakdown
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a ₹31,628 crore relief package on October 7 for farmers impacted by severe floods and rainfall that devastated Marathwada and neighboring regions. The calamity resulted in loss of lives, homes, and widespread destruction of agricultural produce. The announcement was made during a joint media briefing with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Fadnavis disclosed that over 68 lakh hectares of farmland sustained damage due to the recent flooding and torrential rains across the state.
Addressing reporters, the CM stated, “Farmers will receive ₹47,000 as direct cash assistance and ₹3 lakh as crop compensation through NREGA.” He added that ₹17,675 crore has been allocated specifically for crop losses. Recognizing that farmers would struggle to cultivate Rabi crops following the devastation, the government announced an additional ₹10,000 per farmer to support replanting efforts.
“For irrigated farmland, the total compensation amounts to approximately ₹32,500 per farmer,” Fadnavis explained.
The CM highlighted the extent of the destruction, noting, “Intense rainfall caused severe damage to agriculture, farmhouses, and standing crops. Soil erosion occurred in multiple areas, making it impossible to grow the next Rabi season crops in affected zones.”
Providing damage statistics, Fadnavis said, “Out of 1.43 crore hectares under cultivation statewide, crops on 68.79 lakh hectares have been destroyed. Relief measures will cover 29 districts, 253 talukas, and 2,059 revenue circles.”
According to news agency ANI, the CM also announced reconstruction support for damaged homes and financial aid for affected business owners. “Assistance for rebuilding flood-damaged houses will be provided under PM Awas Yojana. Shop owners who incurred losses will receive ₹50,000, and compensation for livestock deaths will also be provided,” the CM stated, as quoted by ANI.
This follows an earlier relief package of ₹1,339 crore announced for farmers whose crops were damaged during July and August.
MSRTC Cancels Festive Season Fare Hike
Considering the flood crisis, the state government withdrew the planned 10 percent seasonal fare increase for Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus services. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik made the announcement following instructions from Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. MSRTC usually imposes temporary fare hikes during festivals. A 10 percent increase had been scheduled for Diwali travel between October 15 and November 5, but authorities reversed the decision to ease financial burdens on flood-affected residents.