Ahead of the monsoon season, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed the officials to initiate steps to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based integrated “Command and Control System” for disaster management.
CM Fadnavis on Friday also reviewed pre-monsoon preparedness at a high-level state review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House.
Fadnavis also stressed the need for all departments to effectively discharge their responsibilities and place stronger emphasis on disaster mitigation as the state braces for the monsoon season.
Addressing the officials, the Chief Minister said, “Every monsoon brings fresh challenges, and preparations must go beyond paperwork to ensure effective implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). He directed all departments to recheck their preparedness measures and rectify deficiencies within the next 15 days.”
CM Fadnavis also proposed the creation of an Integrated Response System linking the Mantralaya, police department, municipal corporations, and multiple control rooms to ensure quicker coordination during emergencies.
CM Fadnavis urges all agencies to stay alert during the monsoon season
The Chief Minister also added, “Administrative response must be prompt, warnings should reach citizens on time, and relief assistance should be delivered swiftly,” urging all agencies to remain alert throughout the monsoon season.
Officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the armed forces’ Maharashtra commands, the Coast Guard, the Department of Telecommunications, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), JNPT, MMRDA, BMC, and the police department participated in the review.
District collectors, municipal commissioners, police chiefs, and district disaster management authorities across Maharashtra also joined virtually.
Minister Girish Mahajan directs structural audits of weak bridges
Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan highlighted the need for better coordination during dam water discharge, which often leads to flooding in downstream villages. He directed structural audits of weak bridges and said traffic should be suspended on structures deemed unsafe.
Minister Makarand Patil announces special relief package for agricultural losses
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil said the state has sanctioned a special relief package for agricultural losses, damaged homes, livestock deaths, and human casualties.
The package includes Rs 10,000 per hectare for Kharif crop losses, Rs 47,000 compensation for flood-washed land, and grants of up to Rs 5,000 under the Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Patil said the state has deposited Rs 16,224 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the accounts of 1.06 lakh farmers. For the first time, compensation of Rs 30,000 per well has been sanctioned for around 11,000 damaged wells, while relief eligibility has been increased from two hectares to three hectares.
The review meeting was attended by Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, Director General of Police Sadanand Date, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Lokesh Chandra, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and senior officials from multiple departments.
