Maharashtra relaxes borewell restrictions till December 15 to help farmers save trees amid drought

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during an inspection of the drought-affected farmland water conservation projects at Kohli village in Nagpur on November 8, 2026. Photo: X/:@CMOMaharashtra via ANI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (November 8, 2026) announced a temporary relaxation of restrictions on drilling new borewells and deepening existing ones until December 15 to help farmers save trees amid drought conditions. The relaxation, however, will not be applicable across the board, and farmers will be required to obtain prior permission from the authorities.

Also Read: Maharashtra drought: State records 18.8% rain deficit, 40-50% rain deficit across six districts

The announcement came during an interaction with village sarpanches and local representatives at Lohari Sawanga in Nagpur district’s Narkhed taluka, where the Chief Minister had stayed overnight on Saturday (November 7) to celebrate Deepavali with a farmer’s family.

During the interaction, local representatives raised concerns over the prevailing drought conditions and the possibility of standing crops being destroyed due to water scarcity.

Responding to their concerns, Mr. Fadnavis said that lifting restrictions on drilling new borewells or deepening existing ones posed certain difficulties for the government. However, considering the prevailing drought situation, the government had decided to permit such activities as a special measure wherever necessary to save trees.

Also Read: Maharashtra Government declares drought in 265 talukas

He clarified that the relaxation would be granted only in cases where it was essential to protect trees and would not amount to a blanket lifting of the restrictions. He also urged citizens to conserve water and undertake groundwater recharge measures.

The announcement follows an assurance given by the Chief Minister on Saturday (November 7), during his interaction with farmer Rambhau Balpande, at whose residence he stayed overnight. Mr. Fadnavis had then said the government would permit borewell drilling wherever feasible to help farmers cope with the drought.

During Sunday’s (November 8) interaction, several local representatives also raised concerns about the absence of veterinary hospitals in the region despite its substantial livestock population. The Chief Minister directed the Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer to assess the situation and take an immediate decision regarding veterinary facilities.

Addressing delays in projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Mr. Fadnavis acknowledged that several works remained incomplete due to inadequate funding. He said projects that had achieved more than 75% completion would be provided funds on priority to ensure their early completion, while the remaining projects would be completed in phases.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over crop damage caused by wild animals and announced that the existing fencing scheme would be expanded, with particular priority given to agricultural fields adjoining forest areas.

He further said desilting works had been undertaken in water bodies in view of the drought, with the excavated silt being used to improve agricultural land.

Published - November 09, 2026 11:18 am IST