Water crisis in Maharashtra in focus as monsoon session begins on Monday

Maharashtra's political landscape is heating up as the monsoon session kicks off today, overshadowed by an acute water crisis gripping the state, largely fueled by a severely deficient monsoon. With rainfall plummeting to 80% below average in some regions and critically low reservoir levels, the Mahayuti government faces intense scrutiny from opposition parties demanding immediate relief for farmers and citizens. This dire situation is primarily attributed to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to forecast a below-normal monsoon for 2026, with a high probability of deficient rainfall across India. The stakes couldn't be higher, particularly for Maharashtra's agricultural sector, where kharif sowing is significantly delayed in key regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha, threatening widespread agrarian distress. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged farmers to delay sowing and has highlighted a substantial Rs 36,856 crore loan waiver scheme to cushion the blow, while the state government has mandated prioritizing drinking water supply until August 31, halting irrigation releases and imposing water cuts across urban centers like Mumbai and Pune. Amidst this, the state is aggressively pushing water conservation efforts, including expediting projects under schemes like Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, and recently approved a new Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026 aimed at long-term water security. Looking ahead, the IMD anticipates the monsoon to gradually pick up in the Konkan coast from June 23, with scattered rainfall expected in early July, though overall projections remain subdued. The monsoon session is poised for heated debates as opposition parties prepare to challenge the government's preparedness and demand more robust relief measures. The immediate focus remains on ensuring drinking water availability and supporting farmers through what could be one of Maharashtra's toughest monsoon seasons in recent memory, with the effectiveness of current government schemes and conservation initiatives under intense watch.