Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 23: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed all government departments to intensify disaster preparedness efforts ahead of the monsoon season and announced plans to develop an AI-driven integrated Command and Control System for faster emergency response and better coordination across the state.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness and disaster management, the Chief Minister stressed the need for departments to strengthen their response mechanisms by learning from previous monsoon-related challenges.
Fadnavis said every monsoon season presents new risks and difficulties, making it essential for agencies to improve planning, ensure strict implementation of standard operating procedures, issue timely alerts, and provide swift assistance to affected citizens.
He instructed all departments to conduct a detailed review of preparedness measures over the next 15 days and immediately address operational shortcomings. The Chief Minister also ordered the integration of control rooms operated by the Mantralaya, police, municipal corporations and other agencies under a unified response network aimed at improving coordination during emergencies.
Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan highlighted concerns related to dam water discharge, noting that sudden releases often trigger flooding in downstream villages. He directed authorities to carry out structural audits of weak bridges and suspend traffic movement on structures found unsafe.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil informed the meeting that the state government has approved a special financial relief package for those affected by natural disasters, including farmers, families facing property damage, livestock losses and human casualties.
Under the package, compensation of Rs 10,000 per hectare has been announced for Kharif crop damage, while flood-affected agricultural land will receive assistance of Rs 47,000. Grants of up to Rs 5,000 will also be provided through the Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Patil stated that the government has already transferred Rs 16,224 crore directly into the bank accounts of 1.06 lakh farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer system. He added that, for the first time, compensation of Rs 30,000 per damaged well has been sanctioned for nearly 11,000 wells across the state.
The minister further noted that the eligibility limit for relief assistance has been expanded from two hectares to three hectares, allowing more farmers to benefit from compensation measures.
During the review meeting, the Chief Minister also assessed the preparedness of several key agencies, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Management Authority, Central Railway, Western Railway, Konkan Railway, Department of Telecommunications, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.