With the Maharashtra government pegging the death toll due to heavy rains in the Konkan region and western parts of the state at 149, including 37 deaths recorded on Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that a relief package will be announced soon — and a separate force on the lines of the NDRF will be set up in vulnerable districts to ensure a quicker response during natural disasters. Speaking to reporters after a review meeting at Chiplun in Raigad district, Thackeray said: “The government will do everything to make them (those affected) stand on their feet. The assistance such as food, clothes, medicines and others will be provided to flood-affected people immediately. The district administration has been instructed that technical issues should not come in the way of providing assistance.”
Meanwhile, Thackeray said in a statement that he has decided not to celebrate his birthday on July 27 in the wake of the floods, and urged people not to put up any hoardings or posters or gather to meet him in person. He said there should not be any public function to mark the occasion and appealed for people to contribute to the Chief Minister’s relief fund to help those affected by floods and the pandemic.
News Source : Greater News
