The Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday cleared the Rs 11,500 crore package to provide financial assistance, carry out repairs, and implement long-term measures in nine districts affected by incessant rains, floods and landslides.
Of the Rs 11,500 crore, the government will spend Rs 1,500 crore on financial assistance to flood-hit villagers, Rs 3,000 crore for reconstruction, and Rs 7,000 crore for disaster mitigation measures.
The government will provide Rs 5,000 each per family for the damage caused to the homes due to floods, and Rs 5,000 each for the damage to utensils and cooking material. For the loss of animals, the government will provide per milking animal a sum of Rs 40,000.
Further, the government will provide Rs 1.50 lakh per house that has been completely destroyed, Rs 50,000 per house that has been 50% destroyed, and Rs 25,000 per house that has sustained 25% damage. The government will give Rs 10,000 for the partial loss of fishing boat and net, Rs 25,000 for complete damage, and Rs 5,000 each for partial and complete loss of fishing nets.
The Cabinet has also decided to appoint a committee of experts and administrators headed by the chief secretary to suggest measures on flood management and avoid landslides. The report is expected to be submitted in three months. Nearly 1,043 villages in nine districts were affected, and more than 4 lakh people were evacuated, following incessant rains, floods and landslides this season. Over 231 deaths were reported. The government has already started depositing Rs 10,000 in the bank accounts of the affected families. In addition, the government has announced the free distribution of 10kg each of rice and wheat, 5kg deal and 5litre kerosene to the affected families.
A protective wall will be constructed in three years along Washisthi, Gandhari and Savitri rivers in passing from Mahad and Chiplun in three years. Besides, the irrigation dams on Kalu, Shai and Kal rivers will be completed in three years.
The Cabinet also took a decision in three months on the Koyana tailorless water Mumbai link project after studying the DPR. The Cabinet directed the installation of a real-time data acquisition system in 26 river valleys in the next three months.
CM Thackeray asked the administration to chalk out a comprehensive and permanent policy for areas prone to landslides and in blue lines posing a serious threat of floods. He directed the administration to set up a committee comprising administrative officers, experts and representatives of the National Water Development Authority.
The government has already started transfer of Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of flood hit families. Thackeray has already announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to kin of deceased, Rs 2 lakh by Prime Minister’s relief fund. In addition, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said additional Rs 2 lakh will be paid to next of kin.
Pawar said the state government is committed to revive each and every flood-affected person by providing financial, moral, and social support. The government will immediately start the distribution of funds which will be increased as per the further need.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Pravin Darekar and BJP legislator Ashish Shelar have said the package was “far too inadequate”.
