Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) In a bid to modernise governance and strengthen disaster management, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday approved two major initiatives: the establishment of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech) and the implementation of the Maharashtra Resilience Development Programme.
To accelerate administrative efficiency using cutting-edge technology, the government has cleared the deck for the formation of MahaGeoTech.
This dedicated entity will serve as a hub for geospatial innovation and data-driven decision-making. It will consist of four primary divisions comprising modern technology, research and training, geospatial innovation and entrepreneurship, and administration and accounts.
The modern technology division will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Image Processing, and Photogrammetry. It will oversee data quality, integrity, and security protocols.
It will also be responsible for building and maintaining geospatial portals, designing software applications, and integrating diverse datasets to solve complex administrative problems.
The Research and Training Division is tasked with research and development in geospatial technology and conducting academic programmes for students and professionals.
Headquartered in Mumbai, the institute will receive an initial grant of Rs 25 crore. It aims to streamline government workflows by providing precise spatial analytics and fostering a culture of technical innovation within state departments.
Further, the state cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Resilience Financing Programme, a new concept utilising capital and global funding to mitigate disaster impacts.
The programme will utilise a Rs 165 crore fund from the World Bank. Relief will be extended to disaster-affected citizens through home loan concessions.
Furthermore, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, unorganised sector workers, women entrepreneurs, and small construction businesses will receive specialised credit facilities and insurance security.
The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation will serve as the implementation unit to handle financial aid during floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.
The programme places special emphasis on the Krishna and Panchganga river basins. Comprehensive plans will be drafted to reduce flood risks in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji.
The Maharashtra Soil and Water Conservation Corporation will act as the project implementation group for works in these river zones.
A Project Appraisal Committee, co-chaired by the Minister for Disaster Management and the Minister for Water Resources, has been sanctioned to monitor progress and ensure effective execution, said the government release.
By integrating high-end geospatial data and creating a robust financial safety net, the Maharashtra government aims to build a state that is both technologically advanced and disaster-resilient, noted the release.
–IANS
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