Maharashtra Drought Assessment Begins as Central Team Visits Washim

The Maharashtra drought assessment has moved to the ground level as an Inter-Ministerial Central Team began field inspections in Washim to evaluate the drought-like conditions affecting Kharif crops across parts of the state.

Central Team official Arjesh Kumar Madok said the team had arrived after district magistrates from five districts presented the situation and would now conduct an on-the-spot assessment before submitting its report to the Central Government.

#WATCH | Washim, Maharashtra: Central Team Official Arjesh Kumar Madok says, "I am a member of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team constituted to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the drought-like situation affecting the Kharif crops in Maharashtra. We have arrived for a field inspection following the presentations given today by the District Magistrates of all five districts. We will assess the actual situation and submit our report to the Central Government; any subsequent action taken by the government falls within its jurisdiction. However, the situation is indeed alarming, so we will make every effort to conduct a realistic assessment and fulfill our duty."

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026

Central Team Begins Field Inspection

Madok said the team’s role is to assess the actual situation on the ground and prepare a realistic report based on field conditions.

He said:

“We have arrived for a field inspection following the presentations given today by the District Magistrates of all five districts.”

The team will examine the extent of crop damage, local conditions and the impact of the drought-like situation on Kharif cultivation.

Report to Be Submitted to Central Government

As part of the Maharashtra drought assessment, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team will compile its findings and submit them to the Central Government.

Madok made it clear that any further decision or relief action would be taken by the government after reviewing the report.

He said:

“We will assess the actual situation and submit our report to the Central Government.”

Official Calls Situation ‘Alarming’

Madok described the situation as alarming and said the team would make every effort to carry out an objective and realistic assessment.

“The situation is indeed alarming, so we will make every effort to conduct a realistic assessment and fulfill our duty.”

His remarks underline the seriousness of the crop-related concerns being examined by the visiting team.

Focus on Kharif Crop Damage

The inspection is focused specifically on the drought-like conditions affecting Kharif crops.

The team’s field visit is expected to help establish the scale of damage and provide the Centre with a clearer picture of the situation across the affected districts.

The Maharashtra drought assessment will therefore play an important role in determining the next steps after the Central Government receives the team’s findings.