Maharashtra state cabinet has recently decided to set up a committee in order to investigate the relief and disaster preparedness issues with the focus on impact of climate change.
“We are setting up an experts committee and we are deciding on the names. This committee will look at how to prevent floods, taking into account the reality of climate change. I just mentioned the figures. It is unimaginable that in six days we get 700% rain and we have to prepare for this in the future,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
The state government prepares new disaster management plans. As part of that, the government is also preparing for intense rain over a short period of time with special focus on flood management.
“This experts committee will study how areas were flooded and how we can prevent such flooding. It will also look into what steps can be taken to tackle such heavy rainfall and this expert committee will help us take those decisions,” Mr Fadnavis added.
The committee will look at what new norms need to be adopted to tackle the unexpected weather patterns, suggest ways for water management in dams and how to tackle challenges of rehabilitation in areas that are cut off during floods. They will also look at relief measures when highways, rail links and airports are shut.