The 10-day Ganesh festival ended on Friday, but water shortages shaped its final rites across Maharashtra. On Saturday, the State government declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas, including areas of Marathwada and Vidarbha. In Kalamb, in Dharashiv district, the Manjara river and nearby water bodies were dry. Civic authorities filled temporary immersion ponds with tanker water, while organizers sought access to a stone quarry's remaining water for idols taller than four feet.
India Meteorological Department figures cited by The Hindu show deficient rainfall in 20 of the State's 36 districts. Reservoir levels in Marathwada stood at 46% of capacity, compared with 81% at the same time last year. In Vidarbha's Amravati division, levels were 64%, down from 85%. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner G. Sreekanth had urged festival committees to avoid water-based immersions, suggesting donation, reuse the following year or symbolic rites. The appeal had limited effect; Amravati's civic body deployed tankers for immersions.
The shortage is also affecting funerals and farming. Beed farmer and researcher Sominath Gholwe said relatives in Pathardi had to bring tanker water from borewells and store it in a well to conduct the tenth-day dashkriya rite. After travelling through five districts, he estimated that 85% of crops had failed. A farmer from Yavatmal, Madhuri Khadse, said she had asked the District Collector for urgent support, citing concern about farmer suicides.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during a visit to the drought-hit region earlier this week that the government would provide cash compensation and ensure access to water and foodgrains while children continue their education. He said the State had previously waived loans and electricity bills. The Hindu's reporting shows the immediate strain is extending beyond fields: tanker water is now needed for cultural observances and family rites as communities wait for the next monsoon.