India, Sept. 17 -- Congress leaders on Wednesday, September 16, urged the Maharashtra government to declare Latur district drought-hit and initiate urgent relief measures, citing inadequate rainfall and extensive damage to kharif crops.

Speaking at a review meeting of the District Development Coordinaoughttion and Monitoring Committee, the leaders said the prevailing drought-like situation warranted immediate government intervention and financial assistance to farmers. The meeting was attended by Latur MP Shivaji Kalge, former minister Amit Deshmukh and MLC Vikram Kale.

Kalge urged the agriculture department to prepare a report on damage to kharif crops and submit it to the government, and asked officials to ensure crop losses were accu...