The Maharashtra cabinet has approved ₹5,000 per farmer for nearly 1.5 crore farmers across 304 drought-hit talukas, PTI reported. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the money would reach farmers’ bank accounts within two days, ahead of Diwali.
The state initially declared drought in 265 talukas on September 26 and later added 39 more. Fadnavis described the situation as Maharashtra’s worst drought crisis since 1972.
He also warned that microfinance companies harassing farmers would face criminal cases. A larger relief package is expected after authorities complete assessments of crop and agricultural damage.
Cyclone Arnab Approaches Andhra Pradesh
Separately, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast landfall winds of 125–135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph, as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab approached the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The storm was expected to cross near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday forenoon.
At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the cyclone was located approximately 220 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, according to the IMD.
Andhra Pradesh issued red and orange alerts across 18 districts. Around 5.7 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha were reportedly on alert.
Q1. How much relief did Maharashtra approve per farmer?
The state approved ₹5,000 per farmer.
Q2. How many farmers are expected to receive assistance?
Nearly 1.5 crore farmers across 304 drought-hit talukas are covered.
Q3. How strong were Cyclone Arnab’s forecast winds?
The IMD forecast sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph.
Q4. Where was Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?
The supplied forecast placed the expected crossing near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
