Maharashtra Minister Defends Flood Relief Efforts Amid Sena MP's Allegations
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Mumbai, Maharashtra - In a bid to clear the air over allegations of delayed flood relief efforts, state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule released an official letter on Wednesday showing that the state government had submitted a detailed flood loss assessment report to the Centre. The move comes after Shiv Sena MP Omraje Nimbalkar accused the government of failing to submit the mandatory report required for central financial assistance. Nimbalkar had expressed his concerns in a regional news channel interview, stating that the official response in the Lok Sabha indicated Maharashtra had not sent a crop damage report. However, Bawankule's release of the letter, dated November 27, reveals that the state government had indeed sought financial support under the National Disaster Response Fund. The document, addressed to Rajesh Gupta, Joint Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority, includes a detailed memorandum outlining losses incurred due to floods between June and September. The report highlights the severity of the floods, which affected regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, Konkan, and Western Maharashtra. The flooding resulted in widespread destruction of crops, livestock, homes, roads, and essential infrastructure, as well as the loss of life and displacement of families. The state government had previously announced a ₹31,628-crore relief package for farmers affected by the floods, with the Centre releasing ₹1,566.40 crore as interim assistance. The cabinet later approved the immediate disbursal of ₹11,000 crore directly into farmers' bank accounts. Bawankule's move is seen as an effort to maintain transparency and address the concerns raised by Nimbalkar. The state government's submission of the flood loss assessment report is a crucial step towards securing central financial assistance and supporting the affected communities.
