Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 27: The Maharashtra government's declaration of drought in 265 of the state's 358 talukas has triggered questions from the Congress over the state's aggressive push to expand its data-centre industry, particularly regarding the use of water in a drought-affected state.
The state government on Saturday declared drought across 265 talukas, covering about 74% of Maharashtra, amid rainfall deficits and crop losses. It announced relief measures including restructuring of crop loans, concessions on land revenue and subsidies on electricity bills.
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera questioned how the government plans to ensure that water resources are not diverted from farmers and ordinary citizens to support the expansion of data centres.
Khera said Maharashtra has attracted more than $300 billion in investment interest in the data-centre sector and is targeting 5.7 GW of data-centre capacity by 2032.
"Data centres require two critical resources: power and water," Khera said in a post on X, adding that water requirements depend on the cooling technology used but remain an important consideration in water-stressed regions such as Maharashtra.
He also referred to a reported plan under which municipal corporations would treat sewage, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) would further purify it, and the reclaimed water would then be supplied to data centres and other industries.
Khera questioned whether similar urgency could be shown in providing reclaimed water for agriculture, arguing that it could help reduce pressure on farmers in drought-affected areas.
His comments came after the state government formally notified drought conditions in 265 talukas spread across 32 districts. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division has the highest number of drought-affected talukas, with 74.
The government has directed district collectors to immediately begin crop-damage assessments. A separate government resolution will determine financial assistance for crop losses after the prescribed assessment procedure is completed.
The drought declaration follows a season of uneven rainfall across Maharashtra. The state recorded an 18% monsoon rainfall deficit as of September 26, with substantial regional variations, particularly affecting parts of Marathwada and other agricultural areas.
The Congress's remarks centre on the competing demands for water from agriculture, households and industrial projects as Maharashtra seeks to expand its data-centre capacity while large parts of the state face drought conditions.