Trigger-1 drought declared in all 12 talukas of Chandrapur district

Trigger-1 drought conditions have been declared in all twelve talukas of Chandrapur district. Due to a shortfall in rainfall and other factors during the 2026 kharif season, the trigger has been invoked in 265 talukas across the state, including all twelve talukas of Chandrapur district. The decision was taken under the method prescribed by the Drought Management Manual, 2016, based on the rainfall deficit since June and other parameters.

The government has taken this step to reduce the impact of drought on farmers, agricultural labourers and villagers. The invocation of Trigger-1 in 265 talukas across the state was confirmed based on a report by the Commissioner of Agriculture. In Chandrapur district, the twelve talukas covered are Chandrapur, Bhadravati, Gondpipri, Rajura, Korpana, Mul, Warora, Saoli, Chimur, Nagbhid, Sindewahi and Pombhurna.

Sowing in the district for the kharif season covered 4,70,277 hectares. Of this, cotton was sown on the largest area at 1,93,944 hectares, followed by paddy at 1,86,042 hectares and soyabean at 53,976 hectares. The paddy crop has suffered the most damage.

Several relief measures have been announced for drought-affected areas, including waiver of land revenue, restructuring of crop loans and a moratorium on recovery of agriculture-related loans. Existing electricity bills for agricultural pumps will also see relief. Electricity bills for agricultural pumps up to seven and a half horsepower have already been waived, so this new relief will apply to pumps of higher capacity. Examination fees for school and college students will also be waived. Rules will be relaxed to start more work under the employment guarantee scheme in villages. Water will be supplied by tanker where drinking water is needed.

Arrangements for fodder, water and grain are also being looked into, so that the drought does not affect the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural labourers. The concerned departments have been directed to plan for fodder for animals, drinking water for residents and water needed for livestock. Water conservation works will also be taken up.

In the talukas where Trigger-1 has been invoked, orders have been issued to immediately begin panchnama proceedings for crop damage assessment. Photographs showing the current condition of crops in the surveyed areas, along with GPS coordinates, will be collected, and a complete report on crop conditions will be sent to the state government through the Commissioner of Agriculture. This information was given by Chandrapur District Collector Vasumana Pant.