Maharashtra government bans protests in flood-hit Kolhapur district

MUMBAI: The state government has imposed prohibitory orders in flood-hit Kolhapur to ban processions and public assembly, a move aimed at quelling discontent among locals. This is the first time in recent years that a district administration has issued restrictive orders amid efforts to expedite relief in a region hit by a natural calamity.
According to the order by Kolhapur additional collector Sanjay Shinde, in view of the possibility of fights breaking out between flood-affected villagers and other residents who may complain of discrimination during flood-relief work, prohibitory orders under section 37(1) and (3) of the Bombay Police Act have been imposed in the district from August 12 to 24.
Floods have devastated large parts of Kolhapur, damaging standing crop and livestock. Affected households in the rural parts are entitled to Rs 10,000 as compensation while those in urban areas will receive Rs 15,000 for losses in property, household items, agriculture, etc. The state has decided to immediately disburse Rs 5,000 in cash to all such families, but it anticipates friction between groups in different localities while the process of identifying those affected is on.
"For preservation of public order and to ensure that there is no law and order problem in the district, prohibitory orders are being issued in the district,'' Shinde said in his August 12 order. Processions and agitations, including dharnas and hunger strikes are banned for now.
In neighbouring Sangli, which has also been affected by floods, the district administration is again facing a piquant situation owing to discontent over rescue work.
NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik condemned the decision to impose prohibitory orders in Kolhapur and the possibility of similar action in Sangli. "It clearly indicates that the district administration has completely failed to tackle the floods. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis must ensure measures are taken to tackle the situation," he said.