Mumbai: Taking serious note of the floods that ravaged Sangli and Kolhapur in August last month that left about 40 people dead, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disclosed that a new plan has been worked out whereby accumulated waters after the floods will be diverted to areas facing drought situation. Speaking at a meeting held with the delegations of World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) at his official residence Varsha on Thursday, he said that the new plan will be a role model for not only India, but for other countries around the world.
The Chief Minister added that a comprehensive sustainable rehabilitation plan will be prepared with the assistance of World Bank and ADB for overcoming the flood situation in Sangli and Kolhapur district’s. The government is taking all out efforts in this direction, added Fadnavis. Nearly 40 people died, several cattle and livestock was lost besides large scale damage to life and property in the severe floods that wreaked havoc in Sangli and Kolhapur districts due to recent incessant rains in early August.
Fadnavis further stated that in some parts of the state drought like situation is prevailing whereas in the other parts rains have caused havoc and the flood situation was grim. Giving the example of Mahabaleshwar, he said that recently the highest rainfall in the world was registered in Mahabaleshwar but surprisingly, the places which are just 60 to 70 kilometers away from the district were facing acute drinking water shortage.
He said that because of such drastic changes in climate, new remedies are needed to be chalked out for dealing with such situations of disaster management and rehabilitation. He also said that permanent and comprehensive measures are needed and sustainable plan is being made to address the issue.
Fadnavis said that the officers of World Bank and Asian Development Bank are rich in experience when it comes to natural disaster management as they are working in such situations throughout the entire world. He said that their assistance will be significant in preparing such overall comprehensive plan. He said that the infrastructure facilities, agriculture, finance and other like issues will be considered while drafting the sustainable plan.
The Chief Minister further said that the excess water accumulated due to flood should be diverted to the drought affected areas and if such plan is prepared, it will be a ‘Role model’ not only for the other states of the nation, but elsewhere at the global level. He chief minister also said that the government is making all out efforts for preparation of such plan. The Nodal Officer will also be appointed soon for coordination with the two world financial banks.
