Maharashtra Approves ₹2,766 Crore for Disaster Prevention Projects

Mumbai: In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved 1,950 projects totaling Rs 2,766 crore during a recent meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority. These initiatives are designed to address various natural disaster risks, including landslides, electrical faults, and flooding. Key projects include the construction of flood protection walls, small bridges, drainage deepening, groundwater recharge efforts, lake maintenance, and afforestation. The meeting, held in the Cabinet Hall of the Secretariat, saw participation from Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil and other senior officials. Chief Minister Shinde stressed the importance of timely and high-quality completion of these projects, asserting that financial constraints should not impede disaster prevention efforts. He also called for the integration of modern technology and equipment to bolster disaster response capabilities. In addition to the project approvals, the meeting outlined plans to modernize the State Emergency Response Center with advanced technology and improve connectivity for District Collectors. A budget of Rs 100 crore was allocated for upgrading district emergency response centers. Furthermore, the meeting sanctioned several strategic plans, including the State Landslide Management Plan, Village Panchayat Disaster Management Plan, Maharashtra State Heat Action Plan, and the Palghar-Vasai underground electrical line project, all aimed at enhancing the state's resilience to natural disasters.