Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive financial relief package for fishermen whose boats, nets, and fish stocks were damaged during the heavy monsoon rains between June and September. The measure reflects a growing state focus on supporting climate-vulnerable communities and improving resilience among coastal livelihoods.
According to officials from the state fisheries department, the decision follows extensive assessments conducted across flood-affected coastal districts. The package includes compensation of ₹6,000 for partially damaged boats and ₹15,000 for those completely destroyed. For fishing nets, affected individuals will receive ₹3,000 for partial and ₹4,000 for total losses. Fish farmers are also eligible for ₹10,000 per hectare for loss of fish seed and ₹60 per kilogram for loss of fish stock up to 50 per cent of projected yield. Officials confirmed that the financial aid will be disbursed directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism to ensure transparency and timely support. District-level committees have been instructed to verify all claims through joint inspections involving local fisheries cooperative representatives, village heads, and revenue officers. The fisheries commissioner has been directed to review implementation and submit periodic reports to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
The state government’s relief initiative comes against the backdrop of intensifying climate events that continue to threaten coastal livelihoods. Repeated episodes of heavy rainfall, tidal surges, and flooding have underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable fishing practices, and better risk coverage for those dependent on the sea for survival. In a parallel policy push towards sustainable resource management, the state has also finalised its long-awaited policy promoting the use of artificial sand, or manufactured sand (M-Sand), for construction. This step aims to reduce the ecological damage caused by riverbed sand mining while ensuring continued supply for infrastructure projects. The policy allows district collectors to approve up to 100 M-Sand production units — doubling the previous cap — and mandates digital transparency through the state’s ‘Mahakhanij’ portal.
Officials emphasised that these twin measures — relief for fishermen and eco-friendly construction reforms — reflect Maharashtra’s growing commitment to climate adaptation, livelihood security, and environmental sustainability. By combining economic assistance with regulatory reform, the state hopes to balance short-term recovery with long-term ecological resilience. As extreme weather patterns continue to disrupt traditional livelihoods, Maharashtra’s proactive interventions may serve as a model for other coastal and resource-dependent states in India striving to create equitable, sustainable, and climate-ready economies.
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