Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister on his behalf and that of the two Deputy Chief Ministers, apprising him of the severe flood situation in Maharashtra. The memorandum detailed the extent of the damage and requested support from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the fullest extent. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the Prime Minister has asked the state government to send a formal proposal, which will be considered constructively.
During the meeting, Fadnavis also presented plans for the development of a defence corridor in Maharashtra, highlighting its potential to boost the state’s economy and generate employment. According to PTI reports, he proposed three potential regions for the corridor: Pune-Ahilyanagar-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik-Dhule, and Nagpur-Wardha-Amravati. Maharashtra has already attracted investments worth Rs 60,000 crore in the defence manufacturing sector, and the proposed corridor could bring in investments ranging from Rs 3-5 lakh crore.
Fadnavis further discussed plans to develop Gadchiroli as a steel-producing hub. He revealed that the state government has requested the prime minister to allot mines to the Gadchiroli Mining Corporation with the aim of producing the cheapest steel in India. “If developed properly, Gadchiroli has the potential to manufacture steel at costs lower than China,” he said. The plan also includes venturing into green steel production. The Prime Minister has reportedly taken a constructive view of this initiative, recognizing its potential to meet the steel demands of the entire country.
In addition, Fadnavis highlighted upcoming significant events in Maharashtra. He noted that PM Modi is scheduled to visit the state on October 8-9 to inaugurate the International Fintech Festival, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During this visit, PM Modi is also expected to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Metro-3 projects. The state government has sent a proposal to the Centre to name the Navi Mumbai airport after D. B. Patil.
Fadnavis also met with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan at his official residence in New Delhi, as reported by PTI.
Addressing queries regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) promise of a loan waiver for farmers, Fadnavis confirmed that a committee has been constituted to examine the matter. “We will certainly fulfill the assurance of loan waiver given by us in the manifesto,” he said. However, he emphasized that loan waivers cannot be granted repeatedly, so the committee will focus on making the process more effective.
He clarified that loans taken for the kharif crop will need to be repaid next year but assured, “The immediate concern of the farmers is help with their accounts. So it will be our priority to extend this assistance.”
Overall, Maharashtra’s leadership is actively engaging with the Centre to address critical issues ranging from disaster management and infrastructure development to agricultural support and industrial growth.
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