Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has strongly criticised opposition MPs for their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a clear display of "double standards." Shinde asserted that his government remains committed to preserving the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and ensuring its continuity. According to ANI, Shinde stated, "This is double standards. We are working to uphold and further the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. Those who follow a different path have been shown their place by the people in the elections." His remarks come in response to multiple opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, submitting dissent notes against the bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament during the Budget session. ANI reports that eleven opposition MPs have raised objections to the bill, including Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and members from parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Congress. These leaders submitted joint dissent notes expressing their concerns about the amendments. The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill adopted the draft report along with the revised bill on Wednesday. Following this, JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal praised the committee members for their significant contributions, stating that extensive consultations had taken place over the past five months, including multiple meetings and discussions with delegations across the country. BJP leaders, including MP Dr Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, strongly criticised the opposition's stance on the bill, claiming that it is in their "DNA to oppose the government." ANI further reports that Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske highlighted how all 44 resolutions within the bill were debated and voted upon. He accused the opposition of misleading the public by falsely portraying the bill as anti-Muslim. "This bill is for the welfare of the nation and to uplift underprivileged Muslims. The opposition falsely claimed that it was against the community and played politics with the issue. Balasaheb Thackeray had always demanded the dissolution of the Waqf Board. Ironically, his so-called successor Uddhav Thackeray’s close aide, Arvind Sawant, opposed all 44 resolutions of the bill," Mhaske said. He also expressed gratitude to Sharad Pawar for supporting the bill, while condemning Uddhav Thackeray for his opposition to it. Mhaske further noted that numerous government projects have been delayed due to land disputes linked to the Waqf Board. Parliament’s budget session and Waqf Bill deliberationsThe Budget session of Parliament will begin on February 1, during which the government will outline its legislative agenda, including discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Meanwhile, opposition parties are expected to raise concerns over inflation and unemployment. ANI reports that President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of Parliament to mark the beginning of the session. The Economic Survey will be presented on February 1, ahead of the Union Budget on February 2. Previously, ANI reported that on January 10, ten opposition MPs were suspended for a day following disruptions during the JPC’s deliberations on the bill. The suspended MPs included leaders from Congress, DMK, TMC, and AIMIM, among others. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce key reforms, including digitisation of records, enhanced audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to address encroachments on Waqf properties. The bill is expected to be presented during the Budget session, following an extension of the JPC’s term during the winter session. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2025 10:14 AM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that he has been leading a "marathon of lies" while making fresh promises ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. According to ANI, Fadnavis accused Kejriwal of engaging in large-scale corruption despite having entered politics with the pledge to eradicate it. "Arvind Kejriwal is once again on his marathon of lies. He is making new promises, but the very person who came into politics to root out corruption has been involved in massive scams," Fadnavis stated while addressing a public rally in Balbir Nagar, ANI reports. The Maharashtra Chief Minister also took a jibe at Kejriwal, comparing his campaign to an amusing anecdote. "Once a man died and went to heaven, where Chitragupta started assessing his virtues and sins. The man heard a ‘ping’ sound and asked about it. Chitragupta replied, ‘Every time a politician tells a lie during the Delhi election campaign, this sound is heard.’ After a few minutes, as the noise became incessant, the man inquired again, to which Chitragupta responded, ‘Arvind Kejriwal’s speech has started.’" Fadnavis further alleged that Kejriwal had betrayed social activist Anna Hazare, whom he once stood beside during the anti-corruption movement. "He sidelined Anna Hazare to become the Chief Minister," Fadnavis claimed, as per ANI. The Maharashtra CM also expressed confidence that Delhi voters would reject AAP in the upcoming elections, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would emerge victorious in the national capital. "Delhi has made up its mind. The people of Delhi are going with the BJP. Women in Delhi have decided to remove the fake Kejriwal government and bring in the BJP. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a BJP government will come to power in Delhi," Fadnavis told reporters, ANI reports. Fadnavis was campaigning for BJP candidate Praveen Nimesh, who is contesting from the Gokal Pur Assembly seat. According to ANI, he accused Kejriwal’s administration of deceiving the people with false assurances while being embroiled in corruption allegations. As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the political battle has intensified, with accusations being exchanged between the three key parties: AAP, BJP, and Congress. ANI reports that the national capital will vote in a single phase on 5th February, with the counting of votes scheduled for 8th February. The Congress, which governed Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced a severe decline in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed to secure only eight. With the elections nearing, both major parties are ramping up their campaigns, and political tensions continue to rise.
31 January,2025 10:00 AM IST | MumbaiMaratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his latest hunger strike, which began on January 25, 2025, in pursuit of Maratha community reservations under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. This was his seventh hunger strike, which he initiated at Antarwali Sarati. After six days of protest, the strike was finally withdrawn, marking a significant achievement for his movement. The government has accepted four of his key demands, bringing the Maratha reservation cause a step closer to resolution. During his hunger strike, Manoj Jarange Patil put forth several demands before the government, including immediate issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, swift implementation of the 'Sage-Soyare' scheme, extension of the Shinde Committee’s tenure, and the establishment of dedicated verification units. While not all demands have been met, the Maharashtra government has agreed to the following four: Extension of the Shinde Committee's tenure – The committee, headed by former Justice Shinde, will receive additional time to continue its research on Kunbi registration. Review of historical documents – The committee will study historical records such as the Hyderabad, Bombay, and Satara Gazette to determine eligibility for Kunbi certification, following which the government will proceed accordingly. Withdrawal of cases against Maratha protestors – The state government will expedite the process of reviewing and withdrawing legal cases filed against Maratha activists, in line with High Court directives and government policies. Continuation of Kunbi certificate issuance – District- and taluka-level committees will continue issuing Kunbi caste certificates to eligible individuals as per the established process. Following the conclusion of the hunger strike, Mumbai’s renowned dabbawalas have extended a heartfelt message to Manoj Jarange Patil. While acknowledging his dedication to the Maratha community, they advised him against using hunger strikes as a repeated method of protest. They expressed concern for his health and cautioned that frequent hunger strikes could diminish their impact over time. Instead, they suggested adopting alternative forms of agitation such as sit-in protests, demonstrations, and rallies. The dabbawalas emphasized that the Maratha community’s reservation movement requires sustained and strategic efforts, urging Jarange Patil to consider methods that would not put his well-being at risk. As the government continues its deliberations, the movement remains strong, with supporters hoping for a permanent resolution in the near future.
31 January,2025 09:49 AM IST | MumbaiA fire broke out at Kailas Plaza, a commercial building located opposite Odeon Mall on R N Bhatkar Marg in Ghatkopar East, early this morning. The incident was reported at 06:14 hours, with the fire affecting the 3rd and 4th floors of the building. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) was immediately alerted, and within 22 minutes of receiving the call, the authorities had mobilised resources to contain the situation. The agencies involved in the operation included MFB, local police, ward staff, Adani, and a 108 ambulance. At 06:36 hours, MFB declared the fire a Level-1 incident, which is a manageable situation requiring a limited response. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fire, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing. Mumbai: Fire breaks out in Ghatkopar building; nearly 90 residents rescued A fire started early this morning at the Shanti Sagar Building in Ghatkopar, causing smoke to engulf the entire edifice. CP Control reported the incident at approximately 01:35 am. The fire, which was contained to the electric wiring and installations in the common meter cabin on the ground level, was extinguished by 02:06 am. Smoke filled the building, leaving 80-90 people stranded on different floors. These people were saved successfully via the staircase, said an official. Dr Inamdar (Medical Officer) reported that 13 people were affected by smoke inhalation. Twelve of these were admitted to the hospital, while one was treated and discharged from the outpatient department. All admitted patients were reported to be in stable condition. The injured are: 1. Harsha Anil Bhise (F, 35)2. Sweety Sandip Kadam (F, 45)3. Janvi Milind Raigaonkar (F, 17)4. Priyanka Kale (F, 30)5. Jasim Salim Sayyad (M, 17)6. Jyoti Milind Raigaonkar (F, 32)7. Firoza Iqbal Shaikh (F, 35)8. Laxmi Laxman Kadam (F, 50)9. Laxman Rambhau Kadam (M, 60)10. Mansi Shrivastava (F, 24)11. Akshara Sachin Date (F, 19)12. Abid Shah (M, 22)13. Amir Iqbal Khan (M, 27) – treated on an OPD basis and discharged. The fire's cause is under investigation.
31 January,2025 09:42 AM IST | MumbaiThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a statement urging Mumbaikars to stay cautious of misleading and false messages circulating on social media regarding the city’s water supply. The BMC administration clarified that recent rumours about untreated water being supplied due to a malfunction in water filtration systems are completely untrue and misleading. The false claims suggest that the filters at the water purification plants have failed, resulting in the distribution of untreated water. BMC’s Water Engineering Department has made it clear that these messages are not only false but also deceptive, and it has urged the public to disregard such unfounded rumours. In its official statement, BMC explained that the city’s water supply system provides 4000 million litres of clean, purified water daily to Mumbai residents. The water treatment process strictly adheres to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and IS 10500-2012. These standards ensure that the water supplied is not only clean but also thoroughly disinfected, meeting all required health protocols. BMC’s water supply system operates through several key water treatment plants, including: Panjarapur: Treats 1365 million litres per day.Bhandup Complex: Treats 2810 million litres per day.Vihar: Treats 100 million litres per day.Tulshi: Treats 18 million litres per day. Each of these plants follows a rigorous water purification process, which includes the use of Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC), rapid sand filters, and chlorine for disinfection. After undergoing these purification processes, the water is then supplied to Mumbaikars. BMC further stressed that the water provided to the citizens of Mumbai is thoroughly purified, disinfected, and entirely safe for consumption. The Corporation has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and refrain from believing any baseless rumours regarding the water supply. Residents have been urged to rely on official sources of information and avoid circulating misleading claims that can cause unnecessary panic. In conclusion, BMC has once again reassured the citizens of Mumbai that their water supply is of the highest quality, meeting all safety and health standards. The Corporation has called on the public to be aware of false, misleading messages on social media and to always verify information before believing or sharing it.
31 January,2025 09:29 AM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court granted bail to a man accused of slamming his car into several other vehicles on the Bandra Worli Sea Link in 2023, resulting in four deaths, after determining there was no malafide intent on his behalf, PTI reported. A single bench led by Justice Milind Jadhav on Tuesday stated that driver Mohammed Sarfraz Mohammed Yusuf Shaikh (42) was seriously injured in the collision and is currently suffering from mental disorder. "Prima facie, even according to the prosecution, there is no malafide intention or any premeditated act on the part of the applicant (Shaikh) which can be gathered from the record," HC said while granting him bail on a bond of Rs 20,000. It also ordered him to surrender his driving licence for five years, PTI reported. Shaikh, in his petition, said that he has been a driver for about 15 years and had not met with any accident in the past. Shaikh claimed that he lost control of the car due to sudden loss of concentration as he felt giddy at the spur of the moment. On November 9, 2023, Shaikh rammed the Innova car he was driving into several other cars at the Bandra Worli sea link toll. Four individuals in the Innova car lost their lives, while six others were injured. Shaikh was arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving and other relevant sections, PTI reported. "There is no doubt the accident in question is a serious accident wherein four precious lives have been lost and some other persons have also been injured," HC said, PTI cited. However, the HC noted that the accused was not under influence of alcohol at the time and has himself sustained serious injuries in the accident. Since his incarceration, Shaikh was referred to the hospital on several occasions for psychiatric evaluation and treatment due to severe visual hallucination, the HC said, PTI reported. "He is suffering from aggressive behaviour, sleep disturbances, seeing faces which are not visible to others, irritable and aggressive behaviour and severe visual hallucinations. He has been advised for senior opinion and psychological assessment," the court said. (With PTI inputs)
31 January,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTravelling on the National Highway 48 (Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway) stretch from Varsova bridge to Manor has become a nightmare for motorists, especially after sunset. During mid-day’s visit to the highway, we found that streetlights on the majority of bridges were not operational. Additionally, several newly built white-topped road sections were uneven, with visible tyre marks left by vehicles, making the surface hazardous. We also observed that white-topping work on the bridges has raised the height of the road surface, effectively reducing the height of the safety walls, and thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Lights not working On Tuesday, this newspaper’s reporter and photojournalist travelled along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway (NH 48) between Dahisar Toll Plaza and Manor. Of the 18 bridges on this stretch, only two—Dehakale Bridge and Shirsad Bridge—had functioning streetlights, while the rest were in complete darkness. Varai flyover joins the list of 16 bridges plunged in darkness on NH 48 Motorist Hiren Patel, a frequent traveller to Gujarat, said, “Are the authorities waiting for a major accident to happen on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway between Dahisar and Manor? More than 95 per cent of the flyovers have non-functional streetlights, making nighttime driving extremely dangerous. I personally feel there should be more reflectors and signage installed before flyovers to prevent confusion for those who wish to take the road below.” When will the work be completed? Ongoing roadwork near Durves adds to motorists’ woes Sumit Kumar, NHAI’s manager for the Thane region, told this newspaper that the deadline for completing the work is April 30, and the project is progressing at a fast pace. “Of the total 112 km of white-topping work approved on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway between Dahisar and Charoti, 98 km have already been completed. The remaining work will be finished before the deadline,” Kumar said. Non-functional streetlights “It is true that many streetlights are not working. This is due to underground cables that were damaged by various agencies working along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway between Dahisar and Manor. An estimate for repairing and laying new cables has been sent to NHAI for approval,” said Kumar. Concerns over extra weight Functional streetlights on Virar Phata flyover When asked whether the flyovers could withstand the additional load from the white-topping and cement concrete layers, the NHAI official said, “With assistance from IIT-Bombay, we are conducting load tests on flyovers where white-topping work has been done. We have only applied white-topping to small flyovers and box-type structures at key junctions, avoiding major bridges over rivers and long flyovers such as the Talasari flyover and Mahalaxmi Temple flyover. Additionally, metal panels, similar to those on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), will be installed on flyover safety walls to enhance safety and prevent accidents.” Safety concerns Workers use epoxy to repair tyre marks on the concrete road of NH 48 During our visit to the stretch between Sasunavghar flyover and Manor, we noticed that white-topping work had been carried out on most flyovers. The new cement concrete road surface has added additional weight to the flyovers and raised the road level, but at the same time, it has effectively reduced the height of the safety walls on either side, making it dangerous for two, three, and four-wheelers. Low safety walls on Varai flyover after white-topping work raise concerns. Pics/Anurag Ahire Uneven road surface The uneven road surface on Varai flyover along NH 48, posing risks for motorists While travelling between Varsova and Manor, we observed several uneven highway stretches, with cracks that had been filled. Many areas bore tyre marks, suggesting that vehicles were driven over the freshly laid white-topped road. This poses a serious risk for two-wheelers, increasing the chances of skidding and serious injury. During our journey, we saw road contractors using an epoxy repair technique to fix the uneven surface, filling tyre marks with a material mixture and levelling the area. Fresh cracks appear on the newly white-topped highway stretch Bike rider Pushpak Tanavade said, “After the white-topping work was completed, some motorists drove over the freshly laid road, leaving deep tyre marks. These marks pose a serious risk for two-wheelers. It’s good to see repairs being carried out, but another critical issue is the reduced height of safety walls on flyovers. Since the white-topping has raised the road level, the existing safety walls are now shorter, increasing the risk of bikers falling off in case of an accident.”
31 January,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare and potentially debilitating nerve disorder, has reached 130 in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and other districts, according to the state’s health department officials. As per PTI reports, there have been two suspected fatalities attributed to the syndrome so far, one involving a 56-year-old woman from Pune and the other a man from Solapur district. Both deaths have raised concerns about the growing outbreak of the condition, which causes rapid muscle weakness and numbness, often affecting the limbs and sometimes leading to life-threatening complications. The health officials further stated that three new suspected cases were recorded just the previous day. Among the 130 suspected patients, 73 have been confirmed as suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Of the confirmed cases, 25 are from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas, 74 are from newly included villages under PMC, 13 from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation areas, and nine from Pune rural. Additionally, nine more cases have been reported from other districts of the state. In light of the rising number of cases, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, took proactive measures to address the situation. He presided over a District Planning Committee meeting in Pune on Thursday, where he directed municipal and district health authorities to take strict action against hospitals found to be overcharging GBS patients. Furthermore, Pawar emphasised the need to ensure an adequate supply of necessary drugs for treating the condition, noting the importance of a coordinated response in the face of such a rare and concerning health crisis. Officials believe the outbreak may be linked to contaminated water sources, with Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in contaminated food and water, being identified as a possible cause. This bacterium is known to trigger gastrointestinal issues, which could, in turn, lead to the onset of GBS, a disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, resulting in severe muscle weakness.\ (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2025 09:18 AM IST | MumbaiMore than 700 cases of leprosy have been registered in Thane district between nine months in 2024, a district official said on Thursday. In a bid to eradicate leprosy, the health department has announced the launch of a 14-day Leprosy Detection Campaign (LCDC) in Thane district, covering both rural and urban divisions. The campaign, which will be conducted from January 31 to February 14, an official of Thane Zilla Parishad (ZP) said in a release. The initiative aims to identify and diagnose suspected leprosy cases through extensive search teams, ensuring that detected patients receive immediate multi-drug treatment, it said. As per the data released by the ZP, 711 leprosy cases were registered in the district between April and December 2024. Experts warn Experts warn that many patients tend to ignore the disease due to the absence of pain, delaying necessary medical intervention. The objective of the campaign is to identify undiagnosed leprosy cases, initiate timely treatment, and curb the spread of the disease by breaking the chain of infection, it said. During the district coordination committee meeting held on January 13, a detailed action plan was drawn up based on available manpower, and the campaign will target 41,48,935 people with 26,84,894 in rural areas. To ensure comprehensive coverage, 2,532 groups have been assigned to oversee monitoring and supervision, the release added. Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and primarily manifests through pale or reddish numb patches on the skin, weakness in the limbs, thickening of the earlobes, and painful skin lesions. It can affect individuals of all ages and, if left untreated, can lead to deformities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 January,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesA 45-year-old IT professional, Amol Kulkarni, a resident of Sinhagad Road, Ambegaon Budruk, is slowly recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Speaking to mid-day, Kulkarni said, “While playing badminton, I first felt a tingling sensation in my legs. I consulted an orthopaedic specialist two weeks before my GBS diagnosis. The doctor advised tests and prescribed medicines, but on January 16, my lips felt heavy, and one eyelid wouldn’t blink. I called my sister, a medical professional, who suspected paralysis and told me to get admitted.” Rohini Dangad, 9, recovering from GBS at YCM hospital “Despite MRI and CT scans showing nothing, doctors suspected GBS. A specific test confirmed it. I underwent five days of Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, costing Rs 45,000 per dose after a discount. My facial paralysis stopped after treatment. I was hospitalised for eight days and discharged on January 24. However, I still feel extremely weak and haven’t resumed work. My total treatment cost was Rs 4–5 lakh,” Kulkarni said. People buying filtered water from a Water ATM “In our area, we receive different tankers for drinking water, and we were told that it was properly treated. However, there is no municipal water supply pipeline in our locality. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had promised to start pipeline connections after multiple follow-ups. Despite paying R17,000 in property tax, we are still deprived of basic amenities,” Kulkarni said. Other case studies Rahul Dangad, a resident of Kirkatwadi Phata near Nanded village on Sinhagad Road, has started treatment for his nine-year-old daughter at YCM hospital. Kirkatwadi has reported a high number of GBS cases, including the second death on Tuesday, that of a 56-year-old woman from the same area. Health officials circulate bleaching powder packs to tankers to clean the water Dangad told mid-day, “My daughter Rohini is in the third standard. She had an upset stomach, vomiting, and loose motions. She couldn’t lift her legs. I took her to a local doctor, but her condition worsened. Since my relatives live in Pimpri, I brought her to YCM. We had no idea about such bacteria.” He added that villagers rely solely on well and canal water, using it for years. Around 80 per cent of Pune’s GBS cases have been linked to a 50-year-old well in Nanded village. Locals speak There were around 12 GBS cases found in DSK Vishwa Dhayari. A township with 3500 flats. Speaking to mid-day Vishwas Shanbag said, “We were all taking utmost care. We use boiled water not only for drinking but also for household chores. There is no need to panic because this is not a new bacterium—the treatment is already available. The situation is nothing like COVID.” Amol Kulkarni, a resident of Sinhagad Road Medha Manohar, an IT and finance professional from Sun City, said, “Since most cases were detected in our surroundings, we are using boiled water for drinking and cooking. We are also cautious about eating outside food.” Sukanya Kulkarni, an architect and classical dancer from Sinhagad Road, said, “Precaution is better than cure. From the day the GBS news spread in newspapers, we have completely avoided outside food and only use boiled water.” Contamination proved The Maharashtra State Public Health Laboratory confirmed bacterial contamination in seven water sources across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Of 144 water samples sent for analysis, eight tested positive for bacterial contamination—four from GBS-affected areas in Pune and three from Pimpri-Chinchwad. Municipal Microbiologist and Chief Chemist Prashant Jagtap told mid-day, “Normally, these bacteria are found in untreated water. They are sensitive to heat and chlorine. Borewells and wells were either improperly treated or left untreated, allowing bacterial growth.” Housing societies relying on tanker water are advised to obtain Grade 1 bleaching powder directly from the civic body rather than the market. Civic staff will guide them on its proper use. Jagtap added, “If you have a household water purifier or RO system, it’s sufficient. These bacteria are large and can be filtered out. Boiling water is only necessary if you don’t have a purifier GBS treatment Dr Rajendra Wable, dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, said, “GBS is a rare and serious neurological disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing paralysis and respiratory distress. Treatment includes plasmapheresis to reduce nerve damage and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).” Dr Deepali Ambike, head of the paediatrics department at YCM, said, “An eight-year-old girl was admitted on January 17 with diarrhoea, vomiting, and an inability to stand. A nine-year-old boy was admitted on January 28 with truncal weakness, unable to get up from bed, and a mild fever. Treatment was started immediately, and both are recovering well. The treatment is free of cost.”
31 January,2025 08:32 AM IST | Pune | Vidya HebleResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) have developed a Disaster Intensity Index (DII) to assess the financial impact of natural disasters on state budgets, providing a crucial roadmap for disaster preparedness and economic resilience. India’s geographical location and tropical monsoon climate make it highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly floods and cyclones. The country experiences five to six tropical cyclones annually, with at least two to three classified as severe. These disasters not only result in immediate loss of life and property but also place a significant financial burden on governments, particularly state administrations responsible for disaster response and recovery. Nandini Suresh researcher, Trupti Mishra professor and D Parthasarathy, professor A recent study by researcher Nandini Suresh, Professor Trupti Mishra and Professor D Parthasarathy from IIT-B analysed the financial repercussions of floods and cyclones on 25 states over 24 years (1995–2018). Explaining their methodology, the researchers noted: “For the analysis, the study used cyclone and flood data to construct a disaster intensity index and fiscal data to make a balanced panel dataset of 25 Indian states (some states were combined because of data unavailability) covering 24 years from 1995 to 2018. The years were chosen because the Finance Commission changed disaster funding allocation methodology in 2020 and we tried to get a balanced time series and cross-section units, however, there were some missing variables in 2019 for states.” Quantifying disaster risk The study cites the World Risk Index 2023, which ranks India third among 193 countries in terms of disaster risk. Over 45 million hectares of land in the country are vulnerable to flooding, with states such as Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra being the most affected. Traditionally, disaster funding in India relies on estimating economic losses, fatalities and the number of affected individuals—a process often marred by inconsistencies and biases. Instead, the researchers leveraged weather and geographic data from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to measure cyclone strength (via wind speeds) and flood severity (via unusual rainfall patterns). “We relied on data from weather and geographic sources to accurately measure cyclone strength [using wind speeds] and flood severity [based on unusual rainfall],” explained Nandini. The research outlines a pattern where increased spending coupled with revenue loss leads to greater budget deficits over time. “Between 1995 and 2018, the study integrated disaster intensity index and budgetary data to produce a panel dataset of 25 Indian states. Using panel vector autoregression, a statistical model, the study discovers that a state’s overall government expenditure goes up, and its budget deficit worsens when floods and cyclones strike. By further breaking up the fiscal variables, we could pinpoint specific areas where disasters have exerted their influence, especially in terms of decreased own tax revenue, increased social sector expenditure and capital outlay, increased outstanding liability, increased primary deficit, and reduced transfers from the centre over time,” she added. State-specific impacts Not all states experience disasters with the same severity. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which face droughts and occasional floods, manage disaster relief primarily through internal resources and suffer comparatively lesser financial damage. In contrast, highly disaster-prone coastal states such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal require substantial recovery funding due to frequent cyclones and floods. Consequently, these states often depend on external aid and loans, increasing long-term state debt and limiting other development projects. The study points to inefficiencies in the National and State Disaster Response Funds (NDRF and SDRF). Certain regulations such as the 25 per cent cap on SDRF allocations for relief operations and procedural delays hinder the timely disbursal of funds. The researchers suggest streamlining these processes to enhance disaster response effectiveness. Proactive financing The study underscores the importance of alternative financing mechanisms, including resilience bonds where investment is encouraged in disaster prevention projects and initiatives that minimise damage are rewarded, disaster insurance where financial protection is provided to individuals, businesses and governments against natural calamities, and catastrophe bonds where disaster risks are transferred to investors who receive returns unless a disaster occurs. “These provide quick funds during emergencies and reduce the need to take external loans after disasters,” said Parthasarathy. However, implementation challenges remain, including low awareness, high insurance premiums and a lack of financial and legal frameworks for integrating these instruments into state budgets. Policy recommendations Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in enhancing disaster preparedness. Governments can provide tax incentives for businesses investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and enforce sustainability regulations to mitigate disaster risks. The study also recommends investing in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable land-use planning to minimize long-term financial impacts. Forward-looking states Tamil Nadu has installed advanced cyclone monitoring systems. Kerala has adopted climate-adaptive urban planning and Odisha has introduced budget tracking for climate-related spending. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, Indian states face increasing financial challenges. “By adopting these measures, India can mitigate long-term financial risks while protecting lives and infrastructure and build a stronger, more sustainable future,” said Nandini. What you need to know about DII The index provides an objective and standardised method to evaluate disaster impacts. It accounts for the fact that floods and cyclones alone were responsible for 80 per cent of disaster-related losses in India during the study period. Using the panel vector autoregression statistical model, the study examined how revenue and expenditure interact over multiple years following a disaster. The findings highlight the dual impact of disasters on state finances.
31 January,2025 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghADVERTISEMENT
Shot Videos 
