The Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Department has undertaken the process to identify and notify wetlands, including those in Mumbai and its suburbs, with the support of a national research body, reported news agency PTI.
This information emerged in an RTI appeal filed by activist B N Kumar, who had sought details of wetlands surveyed and documented in Maharashtra and the status of the Powai Lake wetland in Mumbai, reported PTI.
The concerned official has informed that the survey of wetlands in Mumbai and suburban districts has been completed, and the preparation of documentation and maps is currently underway at the NCSCM level, reported PTI.
Once the reports are received, they will be sent to the District Wetland Monitoring Committee, followed by review by a Technical Committee and the State Wetland Authority. The recommendations will be forwarded to the state government for notification after public consultation, the reply stated.
Farm loan waiver fulfils Mahayuti pre-poll promise, no scheme will be discontinued: Fadnavis
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the announcement of a farm loan waiver scheme in the state budget for 2026-27 fulfils a promise made by Mahayuti parties ahead of the 2024 assembly polls.
In his budget speech, Fadnavis, who holds the finance portfolio, announced Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojna, a loan waiver scheme for farmers under which crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh till September 30, 2025, will be written off.
He announced a Rs 50,000 incentive for other eligible farmers who are regular in repayments of loans.
Later, talking to reporters, the CM said in the budget, the capital expenditure has increased by 21 per cent — from Rs 93,000 crore to Rs 1,12,000 crore. This would lead to an increase in capacity building and strengthening basic infrastructure.
Fadnavis acknowledged that there was a “lot of stress”, but the government has decided not to stop any scheme, an apparent reference to the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, a direct cash transfer programme targeted at poorer women.
On the contrary, it has been decided to mobilise resources and increase capital expenditure, he maintained.
Giving details of the farm loan waiver, Fadnavis said the cut off date for availing benefit under the scheme is September 30, 2025.
“We have decided to waive farm loan up to Rs 2 lakh. We have also decided to give Rs 50 lakh (as incentive) to those who pay loan regularly,” stated Fadnavis, who became the first CM of Maharashtra to present a budget.
The farm loan waiver scheme fulfils a promise made by Mahayuti parties ahead of the 2024 assembly polls, he stressed. The Mahayuti comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP.
(With inputs from PTI)
