Page 5 - Maharashtra

PM should announce relief for flood-hit farmers during Mumbai visit: Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Mumbai, should announce assistance for farmers who faced losses due to the recent floods in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters here, Raut said the Central government should have declared a relief package for farmers. Earlier this week, Fadnavis said that rains and floods had damaged 60 lakh hectares of land in Maharashtra, as per the initial estimate, and the government has decided to extend all benefits and measures usually provided during drought to the affected people. He, however, didn't declare a wet drought as demanded by the Opposition, saying no such provision exists in the official manual. Raut said, "A relief package for farmers should have been announced from Delhi. The prime minister should announce assistance for flood-affected farmers during his visit to Mumbai." He further slammed Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam over his claims about a delay in the announcement of party .

Cyclone Shakti intensifies, set to bring heavy rain, strong winds to Mumbai

First cyclonic storm of the season expected to bring rough seas, heavy rainfall, and wind speeds of up to 65 km/h along coastal Maharashtra; authorities advise caution

Maharashtra launches e-bond system for import-export, replaces paper bonds

In a move aimed at simplifying trade and boosting business efficiency, the Maharashtra government on Friday introduced a new 'e-bond' system for import and export transactions, replacing the traditional paper stamp bonds. With the adoption of the e-bond system, Maharashtra has become the 16th state in the country to do so, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said in a statement. The decision would simplify procedures and accelerate trade operations, marking an important step in modernising the state's economy, he said. "Currently, 3,000 to 4,000 bonds are issued every month for import-export operations, amounting to over 40,000 annually. The introduction of e-bonds will bring a major transformation. Though it may appear small, this is a turning point for Maharashtra's economy," he said. The e-bond system is expected to make obtaining trade bonds faster and simpler, eliminate the need for Rs 500 stamp papers, promote environmental conservation, and enhance transparency in ...

Maharashtra gets ₹6,418 cr advance instalment of tax devolution from Centre

Maharashtra has received an advance instalment of Rs 6,418 crore from the Central government, as part of tax devolution ahead of the festive season, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said. The Centre on Wednesday said it has released an additional instalment of tax devolution of Rs 1,01,603 crore to state governments to enable them to accelerate capital spending and finance their development/welfare-related expenditure. This is in addition to the normal monthly devolution of Rs 81,735 crore due to be released on October 10, it said. In a statement on Thursday, Pawar, who is also the state finance and planning minister, said that Maharashtra has received Rs 6,418 crore from the Centre. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for releasing the funds. "With the upcoming festival season, and to enable the state to ramp up capital expenditure and provide adequate funding for our welfare and development schemes, this amount will undoubted

Seeking justice and rights becoming an act of treason in country: Uddhav

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday targeted the BJP over the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in connection with the violence in Ladakh last month and asserted that fighting for rights and justice is becoming an act of treason in the country. Addressing the annual Dussehra rally here, Thackeray also likened the BJP to "a single cell organism amoeba". "It spreads as per its will, forms an alliance as per its will and after the work is done it switches to another (party). It causes stomach ache when it enters the body and disturbs peace when it enters the society. Which is why I call it an amoeba," Thackeray said. There is no link between the BJP and good governance, he added. Thackeray referred to the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conflict-hit Manipur and said the PM did not see the tears of people there. On the alliance with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Thackeray said, "What did we do on July 5 (a reference to the 'victory rally' of MNS ..

Housing sales in Mumbai region, Pune fall 17% in Jul-Sep: PropEquity

Housing sales in Mumbai region and Pune dropped 17 per cent in July-September period to 49,542 units on lower demand amid a sharp surge in prices of residential properties, according to PropEquity. Sales stood at 59,816 units in the year-ago period. In its latest report, real estate data analytics firm PropEquity pointed out that sales in the primary housing market of Thane in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw a 28 per cent decline in sales to 14,877 units from 20,620 units. In Mumbai city, sales dipped 8 per cent to 9,691 units from 10,480 units, while Navi Mumbai witnessed a 6 per cent fall to 7,212 units from 7,650 units. In Pune, a key housing market in Maharashtra, the housing sales fell 16 per cent to 17,762 units during July-September 2025 from 21,066 units in the corresponding period of the preceding year. Commenting on the market scenario of MMR, realtors apex body CREDAI's Mumbai chapter said that fall in sales during the September quarter was not a cause for concern

Maharashtra reported decline in 'Offences Against the State' in 2023: NCRB

Maharashtra reported a drop in Offences Against the State' in 2023 compared to the previous years, according to the latest data shared by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). There were 169 cases registered in 2023, against 174 in 2022 and 218 in 2021, the report said, adding that Maharashtra ranked seventh under this head. Uttar Pradesh topped the list in this category, which includes offences like damage to public property, sedition charges and matters under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), with 1,749 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with 834 cases and Assam (278 cases). In 2023, Maharashtra registered one case under section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code, which the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has now replaced. Three cases were registered for imputation, assertions prejudicial to national integration in the state. The state recorded 163 cases under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and one each under the UAPA and the Official Secrets Act in ...

Maharashtra tops abetment of suicide cases in 2023, murder cases fall: NCRB

Maharashtra topped in recording abetment of suicide cases across the country with 1,389 offences in which 1,480 people died in 2023, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. Madhya Pradesh was on the second spot with 1,153 abetment of suicide cases in which 1,211 persons killed themselves, while Uttar Pradesh was on the third spot with 1,075 cases and 1,186 victims, data in the report showed. As per the data published by the New Delhi-headquartered NCRB, a Union home ministry unit, Maharashtra was on the second spot with 5,96,103 cases in 2023, which included offences registered under the IPC (replaced by BNS in July 2024) and special local laws (SLLs). Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 7,93,020 cases. While the IPC pertains to the central law, SLL covers crimes under various state-specific legislations such as the Gambling Act. Maharashtra had registered 5,40,800 cases in 2021 and 5,57,012 in 2022 (under IPC and SLL). Among the total number of cases

Maharashtra govt to announce rain relief package next week, says Fadnavis

Rains and floods have damaged 60 lakh hectares of land in Maharashtra, as per the initial estimate, and the government has decided to extend all benefits and measures usually provided during drought to the affected people, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. He, however, didn't declare a "wet drought" as demanded by the Opposition, saying no such provision exists in the official manual. The CM informed the damage assessment will be completed in the next two to three days, and a comprehensive policy will be announced in the next week. "After all assessment is completed, a memorandum will be sent to the Centre for a relief package. In the meantime, the state will provide all necessary assistance. The Central fund will be like reimbursement. The government would declare a relief package for losses (caused by heavy rains and floods) next week," Fadnavis told reporters after chairing a weekly cabinet meeting. He noted the disbursal of Rs 2,215 crore aid covering crop loss

Maharashtra flood impact may come by Oct 5, aid before Diwali: Minister

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday indicated that farmers affected by excess rainfall and floods in the state could receive compensation before Diwali. "The real picture of damage caused by the floods will be available by October 5. We will definitely try to give financial assistance to farmers before the Diwali season. There are enough administrative provisions to provide aid to farmers," Bawankule told reporters here. The Diwali period begins with Dhanteras on October 18 and goes on till Bhai Dooj on October 23. He also said compensation under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms would not be sufficient, as farmers have sought higher assistance. The state government will take steps to ensure that farmers get more than what is prescribed under the NDRF, Bawankule asserted. "It is my opinion that all district guardian ministers should hold meetings with collectors and ensure revenue officials conduct thorough surveys in flood-hit areas. There .

Congress urges Maharashtra Assembly to hold special session for rain crisis

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday demanded that a special session of the Maharashtra legislature be convened immediately to discuss the flood situation and extensive damage caused by heavy rains in the state. Wadettiwar wrote a letter to Governor Acharya Devvrat, drawing his attention to the severe emergency situation prevailing in several parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and western Maharashtra due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding. He urged the government to immediately declare a "wet drought" in Maharashtra and announce a comprehensive financial relief and rehabilitation package for the affected farmers and people. Wadettiwar is the second Opposition leader, after former minister and NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil, to write to the governor, demanding a special session of the state legislature to address the rain crisis. The CLP leader said the natural calamity has left farmers and ordinary people in deep distress, causing irreparable losses. Standing

At least 10 killed in Maharashtra amid heavy rains, over 11,800 evacuated

At least ten persons died in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra over 24 hours, and more than 11,800 were rescued from different parts of the state, officials said on Sunday. According to the state disaster management department and other officials, four persons lost their lives in Nashik district, including three due to a house collapse, two each in Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar, and one each in Jalna and Yavatmal. In Marathwada, one of the worst-hit regions, inflow into the Jayakwadi dam on the Godavari river has increased, prompting the authorities to open all its gates. About 7,000 persons were evacuated in Paithan of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar amid fears of flooding. Harsul circle in the district recorded 196 mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours. Heavy rains lashed pockets of other districts in the Marathwada region, including Beed, Nanded, and Parbhani. Mumbai has been witnessing heavy rains since Saturday night. On Sunday, intermittent heavy spells lashed the city and ...

Heavy rains lash Nashik as Godavari river nears danger level in city

Heavy rains lashed Nashik in Maharashtra on Sunday, leading to water level in the Godavari river reaching close to the danger mark in the city and inundation of some temples in Ramkund area, officials said. The weather department has sounded a 'red alert', predicting heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by stormy winds in the district on Sunday and Monday. Heavy rains have also been forecast on Tuesday. Small temples in Ramkund area, including the famous Dutondya Maruti idol, and the Goda Ghat region alongside the Godavari river were submerged. Due to the flood in the Punad river in Kalwan taluka, contact with Kakane-Khedgaon village has been disrupted, as per officials. The heavy downpour in the catchment areas of Gangapur, Kashyapi and Gautami-Godavari dams prompted the discharge of water from these dams. Water reservoirs in the district were filled up to 98.11 per cent of their capacity. Currently, 8,684 cusec (cubic foot per second) of water is being discharged from the Gangap

Roads flooded, villages cut off as heavy rains batter Marathwada; rescue on

Incessant rains pounded several parts of Marathwada in Maharashtra on Saturday, cutting off villages and inundating low-lying roads and bridges in the traditionally drought-prone region, officials said. More than 65 mm of rainfall was recorded in several parts of Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli districts in 24 hours ending at 8 am. Gangakhed in Parbhani district received the highest rainfall of 143 mm in a single day, an official said. According to officials, heavy rains lashed Kalmnuri and Vasmat talukas of Hingoli district, marooning three villages. Chaundhi Bahiroba in Vasmat taluka and the villages of Bibthar and Kondhur Digras in Kalamnuri were cut off due to heavy rainfall, the official said. Latur Collector Varsha Thakur Ghuge said that overnight downpour inundated low-lying areas, roads and bridges in the district. "As a precautionary measure, we have shut water-logged bridges and roads. The Manjara River is flowing over its capacity, so there is a ..

Maharashtra govt issues advisory as heavy rains forecast across state

The Maharashtra government on Friday evening issued an advisory urging people to remain cautious following a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the state over the next three days. A release from the Revenue and Forest Department said that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in central Maharashtra, Konkan and Vidarbha between September 27 and 29. Orange and red alerts have been issued for certain districts, with instructions for precautionary and preparatory measures to be taken through the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). According to the advisory, central Maharashtra and Konkan are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places between September 27 and 29, with extremely heavy showers likely in some areas on September 28. Vidarbha may record light to moderate rain at several places, along with heavy rainfall at some locations on September 27. Marathwada -- already ree

Maharashtra invites realty firms to develop 13K acres of MSRTC land

Maharashtra will lease 13,000 acres of MSRTC land in key cities for residential and commercial projects under the build-operate-transfer model to boost revenue and modernise facilities

Maharashtra allots ₹1,500 crore aid for Marathwada farmers hit by rains

The Maharashtra government has allotted Rs 1,500 crore for disbursal of aid to farmers, who suffered crop losses due to heavy rains between May and August this year in the Marathwada region of the state, a senior official said. Notably, most parts of the Marathwada region, comprising eight districts, witnessed torrential rains and flooding recently, and the work of assessing crop losses is currently underway. "The state government has disbursed Rs 1,500 crore to provide compensation to the farmers who faced crop losses from May to August in Marathwada. The process to pay the amount has begun and the money will directly go into the accounts of the affected farmers," Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar told PTI on Friday. Instructions have been given to the officials to upload the lists (of affected farmers) immediately, he said. Heavy rains and swollen rivers have caused large-scale damage in Marathwada since September 20, claiming at least nine lives. Flooding destroyed ...

Low-pressure system to bring rain to Maharashtra; monsoon retreat delayed

A low-pressure system has developed over the Bay of Bengal due to which several parts of Maharashtra are likely to experience cloudy weather and increased rainfall between September 26 and 28, a government statement said on Thursday. The southwest monsoon is not expected to withdraw from the state before October 5, said the statement posted on X. "South Vidarbha and adjoining areas of Marathwada are likely to receive moderate rainfall from the afternoon of September 26. Districts including Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Nanded are expected to witness showers, while light rain and overcast conditions may prevail in remaining parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada," it said. The state agriculture department has advised farmers to plan their agricultural operations in accordance with the weather forecast and to safeguard harvested crops from rain and gusty winds, it said. Authorities have also warned of a possible rise in water levels in dams across South Marathwada, Konkan and the ..

BMC told to make road works dashboard citizen-centric in Mumbai

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday to strengthen the dashboard on road concretisation works to ensure transparency and usefulness for citizens. He stated that contractors responsible for damaging utilities be penalised and trenches dug along roads be rebuilt within 15 days. "The dashboard should enable people to directly upload complaints regarding roads in their locality. It must also provide details of damaged utilities such as water pipelines, power connections, and sewers, with accountability fixed on contractors," Shelar said. According to the BMC, Mumbai has a total of 2,121 roads, of which 771 have been completed, 574 are partially complete, while work is yet to begin on 776 roads. Out of the 798 km of work under phases 1 and 2, 342 km have been completed. The H-West ward, which covers Bandra West, Khar West, and Santacruz (West), has 157 roads. Of these, 54 have been completed, 47 partially completed, whil

Maharashtra mulls monetising 'Golden Data' of welfare scheme beneficiaries

The Maharashtra government is weighing a proposal from the IT department to monetise non-personal data of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes through its new digital platform 'Samanvay', scheduled for launch on October 2, officials said. The database, termed as 'Golden Data', will carry details of every beneficiary of state and central schemes and will be accessible through a unique 'MahaID' linked to Aadhaar numbers, they said. The portal is currently under trial, a senior official from the Information Technology department said. "Once the system functions smoothly, we may explore monetising the data with private companies, start-ups and financial institutions. This is consistent with central government policy, and privacy-related issues have already been addressed at the national level," he said. The shared information would be anonymised, with no personal details revealed, he clarified. "Such data will help private companies in conducting market research before product ...