Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that the state government is aiming to provide financial aid to farmers affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall Diwali, reported the PTI.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bawankule said that the full assessment of damage caused by the floods will be available by October 5.
“We will definitely try to extend financial assistance to farmers before the Diwali season,” he said. Diwali begins with Dhanteras on 18th October and continues till Bhai Dooj on 23rd October.
He said that compensation provided under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms may not be enough, as many farmers have demanded higher aid.
He assured that the state government will consider giving more than the standard NDRF assistance, according to the PTI.
“It’s important for every district`s guardian minister to hold meetings with the district collectors and ensure that revenue officials conduct detailed and accurate surveys in the affected areas,” he said.
“Incorrect data can directly harm farmers, so the process must be handled carefully,” Bawankule said.
The minister stated that adequate administrative provisions are in place to support the relief efforts and that the government is committed to standing by the farming community.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the situation in Marathwada, where heavy rains and floods last week have caused extensive damage to property and farmland, as per the PTI.
The chief minister directed the administration in Nanded to keep all the disaster management systems on alert amid water discharge from the Jayakwadi Dam.
CM Fadnavis has remained in constant contact with the local administration in the affected districts and the water resources department to review the discharge of water from various dams in the state.
The authorities had on Sunday said that 10 people had died in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra in 24 hours, and more than 11,800 were rescued from different parts of the state.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister`s Office (CMO), water discharge from the Jayakwadi Dam currently stands at 1.88 lakh cusecs, with no further increase as the rains have subsided.
(with PTI inputs)
