Maharashtra Fast-Tracks Cyclone Nisarg Rehabilitation

Cyclone Nisarg, which hit Raigad district in 2020, left many families displaced and in need of rehabilitation. The Maharashtra government has now decided to fast-track the rehabilitation process.

A meeting was held at Mantralaya, chaired by Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil, where the decision was taken to expedite the rehabilitation of affected families.

Minister Bharatsheth Gogawale raised the issue of rehabilitation of families affected by Cyclone Nisarg and sought an early resolution.

The existing rehabilitation policy, notified in 2022, is being revised to include provisions for housing assistance and civic amenities in affected villages.

Under the proposed policy, eligible families will receive an independent plot of at least 500 sq ft, and alternative plots or compensation will be provided if the original plot was larger.

The revised policy will also provide basic civic amenities such as roads, water supply, electricity, healthcare, and educational facilities in rehabilitated villages.

The government has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue at the earliest and will place the revised policy before the state Cabinet for approval.

The meeting also discussed the need to update the existing policy to address rehabilitation requirements arising from excessive rainfall, floods, landslides, hill collapses, and cyclones.

Practical suggestions put forward by elected representatives will be incorporated into the revised policy before it is submitted to the Cabinet.

The revised policy aims to ensure that disaster-affected families receive appropriate rehabilitation and will provide a safe and permanent solution for those affected by Cyclone Nisarg.

The Maharashtra government's decision to fast-track the rehabilitation process is a welcome move, and the revised policy is expected to bring relief to the affected families.

The government's commitment to providing basic civic amenities in rehabilitated villages will also improve the quality of life for the residents.

Overall, the revised policy is a step in the right direction, and its implementation will be closely watched by the affected families and the general public.