Overview

• Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar formally demanded raising compensation for families of farmers killed by lightning from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
• Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan confirmed the government will review the suggestion and consult the chief minister on the proposal.
• Maharashtra reported 236 lightning-related deaths in 2022 and 181 in 2023, underscoring growing risks during the monsoon season.
• Lightning fatalities were excluded from the state’s disaster relief framework until recently, currently offering Rs 4 lakh per death.
• Statewide alert apps Damini and Sachet are operational and a hyperlocal warning system with a 400-metre range is being developed to enhance safety.