Banganga Carries Away 41 Cows in Minutes; Dairy Farmer Faces ₹25 Lakh Debt
A devastating flash flood in Belgaon village, Dharashiv district, washed away 41 of a dairy farmer’s 48 cows, causing massive losses. The tragedy has left the farmer with over ₹25 lakh debt as sheds, crops, and fodder were completely destroyed.
In a shocking incident that has highlighted the vulnerability of rural livelihoods, the Banganga river in Belgaon village, Dharashiv district, swelled suddenly due to heavy rainfall, leading to a massive flash flood. Within minutes, the rushing waters swept away 41 of a dairy farmer’s 48 cows. The incident occurred late at night, leaving the family helpless as their entire source of income was wiped out in a matter of minutes.
The farmer, who had been running a medium-scale dairy business for years, had invested heavily in infrastructure, livestock, and fodder. The total damage is estimated to be around ₹25 lakh, including the cost of livestock, animal sheds, machinery, and stored feed. The sudden calamity not only caused financial devastation but also deep emotional trauma, as the animals were raised and cared for like family.
Eyewitnesses from the village reported that torrential rain upstream caused the Banganga river to overflow, flooding nearby farmlands and low-lying areas within minutes. “There was no time to react,” said a villager. The floodwater not only swept away animals but also submerged farmlands, destroying standing crops like maize, fodder grass, and seasonal vegetables.
Local authorities and revenue officers visited the site the following day to assess the extent of the damage. The incident has sparked demands for immediate compensation and a comprehensive livestock insurance mechanism. Farmers’ associations in Dharashiv have urged the Maharashtra government to declare the area as flood-affected and release urgent relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.
Experts say this tragedy is a grim reminder of how climate change and erratic weather patterns are impacting the rural economy. Maharashtra has witnessed a rising trend of flash floods and unseasonal rain over the past few years, affecting crops and livestock alike. As the farmer struggles with debt and loss, neighboring villagers have stepped forward to provide temporary support — but long-term recovery will depend on timely government intervention and sustainable flood management measures.
