After drought, Fadnavis warns of possible El Nino impact next year too

The state government has declared drought in as much as 75 percent of Maharashtra, raising the likelihood of shortages in water for agriculture and drinking in the coming period. The drought declaration affects a large part of the state and could leave farmers as well as ordinary citizens facing a water availability crisis. At the same time, forecasts suggest that El Nino, which is unfavourable for the monsoon, could continue to have an effect next year as well, meaning experts believe this year's drought conditions could persist into next year too. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made an important statement.

Fadnavis indicated that if the effect of El Nino continues next year, the state will have to be prepared for that situation. This meant that if the monsoon is affected by El Nino again, the government would need to plan in advance to deal with it, he suggested. He was speaking at a press conference held in Nagpur on Sunday.

Speaking about El Nino, Fadnavis said the current El Nino is yet to peak. According to experts, it is generally expected to peak in February and decline after that. He explained that El Nino is formed due to heat in the Pacific Ocean. He said this will cool down and changes will take place in the atmosphere, after which the effect of El Nino will reduce. However, he said, until then the state needs to remain prepared in every way. He also noted that if the effect of El Nino increases, the government will have to be ready to deal with the difficulties that arise from it.

The state government had declared Trigger 1 drought in 265 talukas of Maharashtra on Saturday. Fadnavis clarified that this means drought has been declared in 75 percent of the state. He also said that with the drought declaration, various drought relief measures would now be announced and implemented.

Along with the drought, Fadnavis also raised the issue of flooding in Gadchiroli district at the press conference. He said heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh had caused flooding in Gadchiroli, cutting off many villages. He said he was in constant touch with the local administration there and that necessary measures had been taken. He said that in places where problems had arisen, rescue teams were sent in to evacuate people. Fadnavis said he expected the floodwaters to recede and the situation to come under control by that afternoon.