Palghar, Maharashtra: Amid a recent rise in COVID-19 cases across Maharashtra, including a reported death in Palghar district, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik has directed local authorities to remain fully equipped to handle any potential health or environmental emergencies.
During a review meeting at the District Planning Committee Hall, Naik assessed the damage from unseasonal rainfall and evaluated disaster preparedness.
The meeting saw the attendance of notable officials, including State Agricultural Pricing Commission Chairman Pasha Patel, MP Dr. Hemant Sawara, MLA Rajendra Gavit, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, Zilla Parishad CEO Manoj Ranade, Superintendent of Police Shri Deshmukh, Additional Collector Bhausaheb Fartangare, Jawhar and Dahanu project officers Apoorva Basur and Vishal Khatri, and Resident Deputy Collectors Subhash Bhagde, Vijay Jadhav, and Tejas Chavan.
Key Directives from Minister Naik:
COVID-19 Preparedness:
. Public spaces and restaurants must undergo disinfection.
. Each taluka in the district is to establish a COVID Center.
. All essential services must operate in accordance with state health guidelines.
. The minister urged the public to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and sanitizer use, as a civic responsibility.
School & College Readiness:
. Educational institutions must ensure thorough cleaning and sanitation before reopening, as summer vacations are nearing their end.
. Support for Farmers:
. Farmers were cautioned against purchasing counterfeit seeds, with strict action promised against sellers of fake products.
. The government will ensure an adequate supply of quality seeds and fertilizers.
. Minister Naik emphasized that crop insurance is a farmer's right, and any irregularities in its disbursement will be severely addressed.
Tackling Malnutrition:
. The administration is committed to making Palghar a malnutrition-free district through concerted efforts to improve the health of undernourished children.
Water Supply:
. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, pure drinking water will be provided to every household in the district, recognizing it as a basic right.
Compensation for Losses:
. Surveys have been completed for damages to homes, farmlands, boats, and fisheries caused by unseasonal rains. Proposals for compensation have been submitted to the state government, with funds to be disbursed to affected citizens upon release.
The review session reaffirmed the state’s dual commitment to environmental sustainability and disaster resilience within Palghar district.
