Palghar district in Maharashtra trains 259 gram panchayats in disaster management

Palghar district in Maharashtra equips 259 gram panchayats with disaster response kits for rural emergency preparedness.

Over 250 gram panchayats in Palghar district of Maharashtra have been equipped with specially-designed disaster response kits provided by the State Disaster Management Authority for use during emergencies in rural areas. The residents of the 259 villages will receive disaster management training in May, said District Disaster Management Officer, Palghar, Vivekananda Kadam.

Earlier such kits were only distributed among the Tehsildars in taluka level and fire brigades. This is the first time that gram panchayats are being given disaster kits.

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) handed over the kits to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Palghar on Wednesday after a request was proposed in November 2024 to SDMA as the district is considered multi-hazardous due to its vulnerability to both natural and man-made disasters, Mr. Kadam said.

“There are 463 gram panchayats in Palgahr district, of which 259 will receive the kits in the first phase. All these villages are situated near rivers, lakes and the sea that face natural calamities such as floods and cyclones. Palghar has eight talukas. From Vasai to Talasari, we have a coastline, a cyclone-prone zone. The district also has many industrial pockets, making it vulnerable to man-made disasters such as fire and chemical accidents in Dhanu, Vasai and Virar. In low-lying areas, flash floods are common. Then in the eastern part, Vada, Vikramgad, Mokhada and Jawhar has an issue with lightnings in which people die every year,” Mr. Kadam said.

“The district is also susceptible to earthquakes and has experienced a series of tremors, some categorised as an earthquake swarm, since November 2018 in areas such as Dhanu. Using this kit, the villagers in disasters can prevent loss of life and property before search and rescue teams reach the disaster site,” the officer said.

Each kit contains a first-aid box, 6-ft floating and foldable stretchers, life jacket, safety helmet, gumboots, hand gloves, safety net and 30 metres of rappelling rope. “The kit has reached the Block Development Officer (BDO) and from there it will be distributed to the gram panchayat which will select a minimum of 4 to 5 persons who will be trained in disaster management such as swimming abilities in floods, how to rescue, first-aid, etc. The kit is designed to provide initial medical aid, ensure the safety of first responders, and facilitate the safe transport of injured individuals,” Mr. Kadam further said.

In 2024, the district received a permanent National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team of 45 personnel, including officers.