India, May 22 -- Maharashtra may face a drought-like situation this year due to the rapidly developing El Nino weather phenomenon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the state will receive only 88% of its average rainfall during the upcoming monsoon.

During a meeting on kharif preparedness on Thursday, the IMD informed the state government that regions such as Marathwada, western Vidarbha and parts of north Maharashtra could receive even less rainfall than the state average this monsoon, said officials aware of the developments.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended the meeting, said the administration has been put on alert and district-wise planning has been initiated to tackle the situation. Speak...