Beed (Maharashtra), Sep 15 (UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed immediate airlift operations for 40 villagers stranded amid flood waters in Ashti Pathardi taluka of Beed district.
During his visit to the State Emergency Operation Centre around noon on Monday, Shinde instructed officials to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) helicopters from Nashik to rescue the trapped individuals and shift them to safety.
The Deputy Chief Minister personally assessed the flood situation across the state and interacted with District Magistrates of rain-affected districts through video conference.
He obtained detailed information about relief and rescue operations and instructed district administrations to remain on high alert.
Shinde was accompanied by Principal Secretary Navin Sona and Operation Center Director Dr. Bhalchandra Chavan during the review.
Shinde spoke directly with officials from Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Mumbai Municipal Corporation to understand the ground situation.
For Mumbai, he specifically directed deployment of additional manpower and pumps in areas reporting waterlogging to ensure quick drainage.
The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed rainfall patterns in Pune and other affected regions while monitoring the emergency response.
The District Collector of Sambhajinagar had reported that 40 villagers were trapped by flood waters in Ashti Pathardi taluka, requiring airlift assistance. Following this assessment, Shinde immediately approved helicopter deployment from Nashik for rescue operations.
He also held discussions with the Divisional Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division to coordinate efforts. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that district administrations must take preventive measures for disaster control based on five-day weather forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department.
Dr. Chavan informed that the state government has sent thirty-five crore alert messages to citizens across Maharashtra through the Sachet app in the last twenty-four hours, warning them about heavy rainfall conditions.
