How Can Efforts Be Enhanced to Minimize Losses During Disasters? CM Fadnavis Urges Officials

Synopsis
In a critical meeting, Maharashtra's CM Devendra Fadnavis calls for proactive measures to lessen the impact of disasters on lives and infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology and efficient planning to ensure immediate relief and effective disaster management.
Key Takeaways
- Proactive measures are essential for effective disaster management.
- Utilization of modern technology is critical for precision and efficiency.
- Training volunteers is vital for community resilience.
- Immediate financial assistance is being prioritized for disaster victims.
- Preventive measures must be implemented to protect vulnerable areas.
Mumbai, June 4 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for the administration to actively work on reducing the loss of lives, property, and infrastructure damage during disasters. In a meeting with the State Disaster Management Authority, CM Fadnavis instructed that effective measures should be taken to ensure that common people are shielded from the adverse impacts of calamities.
He highlighted that the disaster management fund should be allocated towards mitigation efforts, specifically for the repair of roads, dams, and power lines that suffer damage during the rains.
CM Fadnavis pointed out that the flood line should not be treated as just a marker but should be protected against encroachment.
“To ensure precision, satellite mapping must be employed during surveys. The integration of modern technology in disaster management is essential. Urgent actions like laying underground power lines, constructing erosion control embankments, building multipurpose cyclone shelters, and implementing preventive measures in landslide-prone zones should be prioritized under the Konkan Disaster Mitigation initiative,” he stated.
He also instructed that 'Aapda Mitras' (volunteers) should receive adequate training and that a comprehensive database should be established. It is vital to incorporate lessons learned from past disasters into future planning.
Post a thorough disaster assessment, disaster management kits should be distributed to the Gram Panchayats.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remarked that enhancing the carrying capacity of rivers necessitates cleaning them and removing silt and debris. The Water Resources Department must prioritize this task.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil announced that approval has been granted to distribute Rs 49 crore to all Divisional Commissioners for immediate financial assistance to disaster victims for repairing and reconstructing homes affected by natural disasters.
He noted that while the Panchnama of damaged houses is necessary, the process to distribute relief can be prolonged. To expedite support for disaster victims, the government has decided to allocate funds based on the State Disaster Response Fund rates.
The Minister expressed hope that this initiative would facilitate quicker repairs and reconstruction of homes damaged by natural calamities.