Maha asks GSI to identify danger zones to prevent landslides

The Maharashtra Government today admitted that it did not have an early warning system regarding landslides and asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct a survey recommend steps to prevent such disasters.
Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse told the Legislative Assembly that the Pune Divisional Commissioner of the GSI has been asked to conduct a survey of remote villages and hilly terrains and submit a report on the number of such danger zones and steps to be taken about relocating residents of these areas.
Replying to a debate on the issue raised by Amit Deshmukh (Congress) during the Question Hour, Khadse said a provision of Rs 7.6 crore has been made towards permanent homes for survivors and kin of the deceased in the Malin landslide in July last year, which left more than 150 dead.

'Bhoomi-pujan' of the construction of new houses will be done by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis next month, he said.
Khadse also said private companies in Pune would be encouraged to join the rehabilitation efforts by increasing the size of the tenement which is at present 225 sq.Ft.
He also said most of the survivors have been given jobs in industries around Pune district.

Dilip Walse Patil (NCP), who is the local MLA thanked Khadse for giving Rs 10 crore from relief and rehabilitation and revenue departments for temporary shelters to the survivors and kin of victims of the tragedy.
Earlier, the Legislative Assembly saw a brief uproar when the minister expressed inability to respond to a question on illegal tampering of 7/12 land record in Thane district saying that the matter was sub-judice.

Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil (both NCP) alleged that government is concealing the name of the developer who altered the 7/12 of the land and demanded discussion.
"Since the minister has given a written reply, the question is now a House property and the minister should respond to our questions," they said.
Khadse refused to respond to the Opposition query on the name of the developer and if he was connected to any political party.