Mumbai, May 22: The Maharashtra government is ramping up preparations for disaster management ahead of the monsoon season. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed all departments on Friday to effectively implement disaster risk reduction and relief operations.
He emphasized the need to develop an AI-based integrated command and control system to strengthen disaster management and emergency response across Maharashtra.
During a review meeting focused on pre-monsoon preparations, CM Fadnavis noted that each monsoon brings new challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance readiness by learning from past events.
He directed all departments to review their preparations within the next 15 days and prioritize addressing any operational shortcomings. Strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) is essential, along with timely warnings, rapid relief efforts, and minimizing delays in assisting affected individuals.
The Chief Minister also instructed the integration of ministries, police, municipal corporations, and various control rooms into a unified response system for better coordination and quicker relief for citizens during the monsoon.
Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan highlighted the need for improved coordination, especially when water is released from dams, which can lead to flooding in lower areas. He called for structural audits of weak bridges and instructed to halt traffic on those deemed unsafe.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil announced that the state government has approved a special relief package for crop losses, damage to homes, livestock deaths, and loss of life.
Under this package, farmers will receive ₹10,000 per hectare for Kharif crop losses, ₹47,000 compensation for land washed away in floods, and up to ₹5,000 under the employment guarantee scheme. The state government has already deposited ₹16,224 crore into the accounts of 1.06 lakh farmers through direct benefit transfers (DBT).
For the first time, compensation of ₹30,000 per damaged well has been approved, benefiting around 11,000 wells. Additionally, the eligibility limit for relief has been increased from 2 hectares to 3 hectares.
The meeting also reviewed the preparedness of various agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, India Meteorological Department (IMD), NDRF, SDRF, Railways, Telecommunications Department, BMC, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
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