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

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inspecting water conservation projects on drought-affected agricultural land at Kohli village in Nagpur on November 8, 2026. Photo: X/:@CMOMaharastra via ANI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (November 8, 2026) announced a temporary relaxation of restrictions on drilling new wells and deepening existing ones till December 15 to help farmers save trees amid drought. However, the mitigation will not apply across the board and farmers will have to obtain prior permission from the authorities.

Also Read: Drought in Maharashtra: State records 18.8% rainfall deficit, 40-50% rainfall deficit in six districts

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

During the interaction, local representatives expressed concern over the prevailing drought conditions and the possibility of destruction of standing crops due to lack of water.

Responding to their concerns, Mr. Fadnavis said lifting restrictions on drilling new wells or deepening existing wells posed some difficulties for the government. However, in view of the prevailing drought situation, the government has decided to allow such activities as a special measure wherever necessary to save trees.

Also Read: Maharashtra State Government Declares Drought In 265 Talukas

He clarified that mitigation will only be granted in cases where it is necessary to protect trees and will not mean a blanket lifting of restrictions. He also urged citizens to conserve water and take measures to recharge groundwater.

The announcement follows the assurance given by the Chief Minister on Saturday (November 7) during his interaction with farmer Rambhau Balpand, at whose residence he stayed overnight. Mr. Fadnavis then said that the government would allow drilling of wells whenever possible to help farmers cope with the drought.

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

Addressing the delay in projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Mr. Fadnavis acknowledged that several works remained unfinished due to insufficient funding. He said projects that have reached more than 75% completion will be given priority funding to ensure their early completion, while the remaining projects will 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 special priority given to agricultural fields adjacent to forest areas.

He further said that due to the drought, desilting works were carried out in waterways, with the dredged mud being used to improve agricultural land.

Published – November 9, 2026 11:18 AM IST