“State to Seek More Aid for Ghatkopar Hoarding Victims”

Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has provided aid to the families of the Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy victims and is seeking additional support from the central government. Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil emphasized that concrete steps will be taken to prevent future accidents like the Ghatkopar incident and to provide further assistance to the victims.

Minister Patil addressed a meeting attended by former Lok Sabha Member Kirit Somayya, MLA Parag Shah, Disaster Management Director Lahuraj Mali, Mumbai Suburban Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar, Bharat Petroleum Nigam Limited Manager Maulik Kapadia, Lohmarg Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Shiswe, and relatives of the Ghatkopar hoarding disaster victims.

Minister Patil stated that the kin of the 17 deceased in the tragedy have each received a total of Rs 9 lakh from the state government, including Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Management Fund. Assistance for one remaining relative is in progress. Patients who were hospitalized for more than seven days have been given Rs 16,000 each, while those with shorter treatment durations received Rs 5,400 each. Immediate treatment costs were also covered by the government. Special provisions are being made for patients requiring treatment for more than six months, with coordination from the Mumbai Municipality.

Minister Patil assured that the government will implement comprehensive regulations for local bodies and strict rules for third-party vehicle insurance to prevent such accidents. He urged local authorities to work together to provide all possible assistance to the victims’ families and those still undergoing treatment. He also called on BPCL to approve financial support for the ongoing treatment of affected patients.

Former Lok Sabha member Kirit Somaiya and MLA Parag Shah suggested that the government take stringent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.