The Palghar district administration has estimated losses of around Rs 170 crore following the heavy rainfall that lashed the district in early July, with damage to roads, bridges and other Public Works Department (PWD) infrastructure accounting for nearly Rs 148 crore of the total.
According to district officials, Palghar witnessed intense rainfall during the first week of July and again between July 22 and 24, triggering widespread flooding across areas including the Vasai-Virar region, Palghar taluka, Kelve and Saphale. The downpours caused extensive damage to homes, household belongings, food stocks and livestock.
Officials said 20 people lost their lives during the early July spell of rain. Under the supervision of District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairperson Indu Rani Jakhar, authorities have expedited damage assessment surveys (panchnamas) and the distribution of financial assistance to affected residents.
“The administration estimates that the primary loss during the early July downpours stands at approximately Rs 170 crore. The loss to roads, bridges and related infrastructure under PWD jurisdiction alone is estimated at Rs 148 crore,” an official said.
The official added, “During the early July rains, 20 fatalities were reported across the district. The administration has disbursed Rs 48 lakh in financial aid to 12 eligible legal heirs so far. Three deaths were recorded during the heavy spell between July 22 and 24 in Talasari, Dahanu and Palghar talukas, with compensation procedures underway.”
Of the 15,472 eligible families whose homes were inundated, 7,469 families have received financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.66 crore. Additionally, Rs 24.95 lakh has been distributed towards housing damage, including Rs 2.23 lakh for 23 completely damaged houses.
Officials said Rs 19.27 lakh has been provided for partially damaged pucca houses, while Rs 2.70 lakh has been disbursed for partially damaged kutcha houses.
“Water entered 7,503 houses in Talasari, Dahanu and Palghar talukas between July 22 and 24. There are 690 reported house damage cases. A total of 3,450 flood panchnamas and 26 structural panchnamas have been completed. For early July rains, the administration disbursed Rs 3,22,000 in livestock compensation,” the official said.
Authorities also reported 504 cases of livestock loss linked to the July 22–24 rainfall.
To assist displaced families in Dahanu, Talasari and Palghar, the district administration, along with corporate organisations and charitable groups, is distributing food, clothing, bedding and other essential supplies.
District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar said, “Financial assistance will definitely be distributed to every eligible beneficiary as per govt norms. The administration is ensuring no eligible person is left out.”
Source: The Times of India
