Mumbai, Sept. 26 -- As more than 34 of 36 districts reel under an acute water shortage due to deficient rainfall, the Maharashtra government on Saturday declared drought in 265 of the 358 sub-districts, or 74% of the sub-districts, across the state. The prevailing situation in these sub-districts fulfils the Trigger-I (first alert) criteria under the Drought Management Code.

The state government issued the much-awaited government resolution (GR) on Saturday, announcing a package of 12 measures and concessions for drought-affected farmers. The decision was taken based on the Agriculture Commissioner's assessment of rainfall deficiency and other drought-related indicators up to September 24.

The declaration covers 265 sub-districts spread...