Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern over the low rainfall in various parts of Maharashtra despite heavy showers in Mumbai and Western Maharashtra at the start of July. Regions like Khandesh, Central Maharashtra, Western Vidarbha, and Marathwada are experiencing below-average rainfall. The upcoming days are expected to see a further decrease in rainfall across the state, with a likelihood of below-average precipitation and rising maximum temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department’s initial forecasts suggest a significant drop in rainfall during the second half of July compared to the first half. Farmers are advised to plan their agricultural activities accordingly. The Agriculture Department has urged farmers in areas with insufficient rainfall to hold off on sowing until the soil has enough moisture.
Relentless heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and Koyna catchment area has disrupted life in the ghat region and along the Krishna and Koyna rivers. The Koyna Dam has seen a rapid rise in water inflows, with a massive 8.03 TMC of new water entering in the last 24 hours alone. The dam’s total storage has now reached 33.92%, crossing the one-third mark.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for Satara district due to severe weather conditions. Mahabaleshwar recorded a staggering 400 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. Despite lower water levels compared to last year, the current inflow rate into the Koyna Dam is more than triple that of the previous year.
The delayed monsoon onset has led to a lower water level this year, but the current torrential inflows are bridging the deficit rapidly. The monsoon’s impact has been severe, causing infrastructure damage like a collapsed iron bridge in Mahabaleshwar and a major landslide in Kelghar Ghat. Floodwaters have affected commercial complexes and tribal hamlets in various areas.
In response to the situation, the district administration has declared a school holiday in five talukas and deployed a 28-member National Disaster Response Force team for rescue operations in the Karad–Patan region. The chief minister and Guardian Minister have instructed immediate damage assessments and relief measures to address the crisis.
