All-Out Assistance to Farmers; Relief to Be Distributed Before Diwali – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Relief Measures for Farmers During Heavy Rains and Floods
Approval for Bridge and Road Work on Terna River at Ujani; Flood Protection Wall and Barrages at Aurad Shahajani

Latur, Sept 2025 Heavy, cloudburst-like rains in several parts of the state have caused rivers to flood, damaging crops and eroding farmland. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the state government stands firmly with farmers during this crisis and will provide all-affected farmers with immediate, comprehensive assistance, regardless of eligibility criteria. He further promised that this relief will be distributed before Diwali.

CM Fadnavis inspected flood-affected areas in Ujani (Ausa taluka) and Aurad Shahajani (Nilanga taluka), interacting with farmers to assess the damage.

Water Resources and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, Public Works Minister and Guardian Minister of Latur Shivendrasinh Bhosale, MP Omprakashraje Nimbalkar, MLAs Abhimanyu Pawar, Sanjay Bansode, Ramesh Karad, Rana Jagjitsingh Patil, Kailas Patil, former MLA Basvaraj Patil, District Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge, and Police Superintendent Amol Tambe were present at Ujani. At Aurad Shahajani, Guardian Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale, MLA Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Divisional Commissioner Papalkar, Zilla Parishad CEO Rahul Meena, and Beed Irrigation Project Board Superintending Engineer I.M. Chishti were present.

The CM first inspected the Terna riverbed and the crop damage along the Ausa–Tuljapur highway bridge. He then assessed flood-related damage to homes, shops, and crops in Ujani village and collected information from farmers and residents.

CM Fadnavis stated that relief measures normally implemented during droughts will also be applied during heavy rains. The government aims to maximize support for farmers. Assistance will also cover damages caused by floodwater entering homes and shops. On Tuesday, the state government approved an initial relief fund of ₹2,200 crore for affected citizens, with additional aid to follow based on damage reports.

The CM also announced approval for constructing a bridge over the Terna River connecting Ausa and Tuljapur talukas, along with the road linking Ujani village to the national highway.

Significant crop losses have occurred due to riverbank erosion, causing substantial financial hardship for farmers. MLA Abhimanyu Pawar requested increased assistance for farmers, and MLA Sanjay Bansode submitted a memorandum regarding flood relief in Udgir and Jalkot talukas.

Inspection and Interaction at Aurad Shahajani
CM Fadnavis inspected flood-affected areas at the confluence of Terna and Manjra rivers near Aurad Shahajani along the Maharashtra–Karnataka border. He interacted with farmers, including Shivputra Agre, who explained the flooding and crop losses in his field, as well as losses of moong, urad, maize, and soybean crops reported by other residents. The CM assured farmers of full government support and urged them not to worry.

To control sudden rises in floodwater due to short-duration heavy rainfall, barrages will be constructed on rivers, and a flood protection wall will be built at Aurad Shahajani. Old barrages will be modernized with new gates. The CM also confirmed that suggestions from MLA Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar regarding barrages at the Terna–Manjra river confluence will be acted upon.

Damage Assessment via Drone and Mobile Photos
Damage assessments are underway. In areas inaccessible by foot, assessments conducted via drone will be accepted, along with mobile photographs, as valid documentation, the CM added.