The Maharashtra government on Wednesday issued an order to provide financial assistance and concessions to fishermen whose livelihoods were affected by excessive rainfall and floods between June and September this year, reported news agency PTI.
A special relief package has been approved for those whose boats, fishing nets, or fish stock were damaged due to heavy rains and flooding, according to a resolution (GR) issued by the state fisheries department, reported PTI.
Under the package, affected fishermen will receive compensation of Rs 6,000 for partially damaged boats and Rs 15,000 for completely destroyed ones. For the fully and partially damaged fishing nets, they will get Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000, respectively, reported PTI.
Farmers will receive Rs 10,000 per hectare for loss of fish seed, and Rs 60 per kilogram for loss of fish stock up to 50 per cent of expected production.
The government has also directed district officials to conduct on-ground inspections and submit proposals through the assistant commissioner of fisheries for approval. The relief amount will be directly credited to beneficiaries` bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, reported PTI.
The GR said the district-level committees must verify damage reports with the participation of local authorities, including talathis (revenue officials), sarpanches, and representatives of fisheries cooperative societies, reported PTI.
The fisheries commissioner has been tasked with reviewing the disbursement process and submitting regular reports to the government.
Maharashtra finalises policy to promote use of artificial sand in construction
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has finalised a policy promoting the use of artificial sand for construction activities and issued an official order to this effect, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Tuesday, reported PTI.
In a letter to all district collectors, Bawankule directed the immediate implementation of the policy.
The government has delegated powers to approve the artificial sand, or M-Sand (manufactured sand), units to district collectors, who can now sanction up to 100 such units, an increase from the earlier cap of 50, reported PTI.
As per the new resolution issued by the revenue department, information on suitable land for M-Sand units — both on public and private properties — will be compiled and made available on the `Mahakhanij` portal for auction. A registered undertaking will be required for setting up these units, the minister said, reported PTI.
Bawankule further stated that licences of M-Sand units violating prescribed conditions will be permanently cancelled.
“With the standard operating procedure now in place, there will be no obstacles in implementing the policy,” he said, reported PTI.
The minister had earlier said that providing an alternative to natural sand was crucial for environmental protection.
“Efforts are underway to completely stop sand mining from rivers in the future. Ensuring sand availability for construction and simultaneously curbing illegal transportation are key to safeguarding the environment,” he had said, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
