Palghar: The estimated loss due to heavy rains in
Maharashtra’s Palghar in early July stands at Rs 170 crore, including Rs 148 crore due to damage to roads, bridges and related infrastructure under PWD jurisdiction, the district administration said on Monday.
The district witnessed extremely heavy rains in the first week of July and then again between July 22 and 24, leading to massive flooding, especially in the Vasai-Virar belt, Palghar taluka, Kelve and Saphale, damaging thousands of homes, household items, foodgrains and livestock, officials said.
During the early July rains, 20 fatalities were reported across the district, they added.
The process of damage assessment surveys, or ‘panchnamas’, and distribution of financial assistance to affected citizens have been accelerated under the supervision of collector Indu Rani Jakhar, also the chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority, they said.
“The administration estimates that the primary loss during the early July downpours stands at approximately Rs 170 crore. The loss to roads, bridges and related infrastructure under PWD jurisdiction alone is estimated at Rs 148 crore,” an official said.
“During the early July rains, 20 fatalities were reported across the district. The administration has disbursed Rs 48 lakh in financial aid to 12 eligible legal heirs so far.
Three deaths were recorded during the heavy spell between July 22 and 24 in Talasari, Dahanu and Palghar talukas, with compensation procedures underway,” he added.
Out of 15,472 eligible families whose houses were flooded, Rs 3,66,31,575 has been disbursed to 7,469 families. A total of Rs 24,95,050 has been distributed for housing damage, and Rs 2.23 lakh for 23 completely damaged houses, the official said.
For partially collapsed ‘pucca’ houses, Rs 19,27,370 has been distributed, while the figure is Rs 2.70 lakh for partially collapsed ‘kutcha’ houses, the official said.
“Water entered 7,503 houses in Talasari, Dahanu and Palghar talukas between July 22 and 24. There are 690 reported house damage cases. A total of 3,450 flood panchnamas and 26 structural panchnamas have been completed. For early July rains, the administration disbursed Rs 3,22,000 in livestock compensation,” he said.
The official said 504 livestock loss cases were registered in connection with the July 22 and 24 rains.
To support thousands of displaced families in Dahanu, Talasari and Palghar, the district administration as well as corporate groups and charitable organisations are distributing essential food items, clothes, sheets and daily necessities.
“Financial assistance will definitely be distributed to every eligible beneficiary as per govt norms. The administration is ensuring no eligible person is left out,” Jakhar said.