All Agencies on High Alert to Assist Flood Victims – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

₹2,215 Crore Approved for Farmers, Relaxation in Damage Assessment Criteria

Mumbai, Sept 2023: Excessive rainfall and flooding have caused widespread damage to farmers in the state. The state government has deployed all machinery on high alert to provide immediate assistance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government stands firmly with farmers, and relief will be provided by relaxing assessment criteria wherever homes, crops, or livestock have been damaged.

The cabinet reviewed the damage caused by heavy rainfall in its recent meeting, after which CM Fadnavis addressed the media.

So far, financial assistance of ₹2,215 crore has been approved for 31.64 lakh farmers. Of this, ₹1,829 crore has already been distributed at the district level and will be credited to farmers’ bank accounts within the next 8–10 days. Local administration has been instructed accordingly.

The CM added that as soon as the damage assessments (panchanamas) are completed in flood-affected areas, immediate relief is being provided. Financial aid is disbursed promptly without waiting for consolidated government orders. District Collectors have been authorized to release assistance for casualties, livestock loss, and damaged homes. Local authorities have also been given full powers to provide immediate relief, ensuring there will be no shortage of funds.

Relief Efforts in Multiple Districts

Recent heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to crops and homes in districts including Dharashiv, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Solapur, Beed, and Parbhani. Seventeen teams of NDRF and SDRF are actively engaged in rescue operations, with several people evacuated to safe locations by helicopter. The government has arranged drinking water, food, and shelter for displaced citizens. Complaints regarding land erosion due to floods are being addressed positively.

State Ready to Act Even Before Central Assistance

Proposals for central assistance will be sent to the Union Government, but the state has already begun immediate relief efforts. CM Fadnavis assured that while central aid will come, the state government will not fall short in providing prompt support to farmers. In some areas, water has not yet receded, so displaced residents cannot return home; the government continues to provide all necessary arrangements. All Guardian Ministers have been directed to visit flood-affected areas.

Advance Warning of More Heavy Rain

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more heavy rainfall on September 27–28. The administration is fully prepared, and citizens and farmers have been urged to take necessary precautions. CM Fadnavis assured that the government’s relief efforts will continue uninterrupted and pledged steadfast support to farmers.

CM to Visit Flood-Affected Areas

Tomorrow, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will personally visit the flood-affected regions to review the situation and oversee relief operations.