123 talukas in Maharashtra declared drought-hit

Maharashtra government today declared 123 talukas in the state as drought-hit.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the state cabinet here, which was chaired by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, an official said.

The state's relief and rehabilitation department identified the talukas based on norms for the Drought Prone Area Programme.

The norms on rainfall and crop sowing percentage were relaxed in some cases due to the exceptional nature of the situation prevailing there.

The state government is likely to put aside substantial funds for drought management, out of which all the qualifying talukas are expected to get a share, the official said.