Palghar Completes Loss Assessment; ₹10.5 Crore Relief Sought After Unseasonal Storms

Palghar, Maharashtra: The district administration of Palghar has completed damage assessments for losses caused by the unseasonal rains and stormy winds that struck the region on May 6 and 7, 2025. The natural calamity led to significant damage to homes, agricultural crops, fruit orchards, and fishing equipment.

According to official reports, a total of 2,124 homes were damaged, four completely and 2,120 partially, along with four huts. In addition, 1923 farmers cultivating 537.68 hectares of irrigated farmland suffered over 33% crop loss. Similarly, 5598 fruit farmers reported over 33% damage across 2162.79 hectares.

Damage assessments were carried out by local revenue officials including Talathis, Gram Sevaks, and Agricultural Assistants. In response, the district has submitted a proposal to the state government requesting ₹1,20,15,195 (Rs. 1.20 crore) for housing-related relief and ₹9,23,77,800 (Rs. 9.23 crore) for crop and orchard damage. The funds are being sought under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

In the fisheries sector, a total of 101 boats were damaged, two completely and 99 partially. Furthermore, fishing nets from two boats were entirely destroyed. The district has requested ₹6,32,000 for compensating affected fishermen. Notably, there is no provision under the current government resolution (CAS-2022/349/M-9 dated March 27, 2023) for compensation towards dry fish losses. Therefore, Guardian Minister Hon. Shri Ganesh Naik has made a special appeal to the Chief Minister, the Minister of Fisheries, and the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation to provide assistance in this matter.

The relief distribution will begin as soon as the requested funds are sanctioned and received by the government. Assistance will be disbursed to affected individuals through the respective Tahsildar offices.

Meanwhile, unseasonal rains and stormy winds once again lashed Palghar district on May 23, 2025, causing partial damage to an additional 1,030 homes. Assessment work for these recent damages is currently underway.