Government Ready to Assist Farmers and Citizens Affected by Heavy Rains; Relief Work Underway: Minister Girish Mahajan

Nashik, Sept 2025 : Due to the heavy rains over the last two to three days, the Godavari River has experienced severe flooding, causing extensive damage to farmers and citizens living along its banks. Water Resources and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan stated that the government is fully prepared to assist those affected and that relief work is already in progress across the state, where similar situations have been reported.

Today, Minister Girish Mahajan visited the flood-hit areas of the Godavari River, including the Old Vegetable Market Grounds and Ramkund area, to review the situation. He was accompanied by MLAs Devyani Pharande and Rahul Dhikle, District Collector Jalaj Sharma, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Deputy Commissioner of Police Monika Raut, Superintendent Engineer Rajesh Govardhane, and Executive Engineer Sonal Shahane from the Water Resources Department, along with other officials from various departments.

Minister Mahajan said that during his visit last night to the Panchavati area and Holkar Bridge, the Godavari River was in severe flood due to incessant rainfall. Now, with the rains easing, the floodwaters have begun to recede, and the situation is under control. The administration remains on 24-hour alert. Because citizens followed the instructions issued by authorities, no untoward incidents have occurred. However, water discharge led to flooding in homes, while farmers lost livestock, crops, and land. Local businesses along the riverbanks have also suffered heavy losses.

Survey work (Panchanamas) has started in villages where homes were flooded. Residents have been relocated to safe shelters, with arrangements for food and accommodation made through the administration. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that comprehensive surveys be carried out. In many parts of the state, farmland has been eroded, with 4–5 feet of soil washed away. Farmers’ fields remain waterlogged, and once the water recedes, immediate surveys will be conducted, followed by government compensation. Minister Mahajan has instructed district administrations, disaster management teams, and officials to continue relief operations without interruption.

Keeping in mind the large number of devotees expected during the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the existing changing facility near the river will be demolished and rebuilt at a safer location. Additionally, ₹25 crore has been allocated for the construction of a new Ramsetu Bridge at Panchavati.

In view of the current flood situation, Minister Mahajan appealed to citizens living along the riverbanks to strictly follow administrative guidelines and not to take unnecessary risks.