Lightning declared state-specific disaster in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has decided to list lightning as a state-specific disaster, enabling its victims or their families to get compensation.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) here today chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Chandrakant Patil was also present.
Fadnavis approved setting up of an independent directorate under the SDMA.
An official release from the Chief Minister's Office said a decision was also taken for state-wide training programme of government officials in association with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The programme will cost Rs 2 crore.

"Considering the increasing number of deaths due to lightening, it has been decided to declare lightening as state disaster. Henceforth, families of victims can be given financial assistance from the state Disaster relief fund," the release stated.
The Chief Minister also approved mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction pilot project with the help of UNICEF India in Osmanabad with a focus on drought.
"This project will incur a cost of Rs 91,65,000. Of this, UNICEF will provide Rs 58 lakh and the rest will be provided by the state government," it stated.
Since villages in Maharashtra periodically face calamities, the government, under the 'Apatti saksham gram yojana', will undertake training among villagers to deal with calamities with help from local organisations, the release added.