The Maharashtra government has banned parties and events in open places between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. till the state’s heat level decreases. Cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha indicated that the state government will make a government resolution in this regard.
This decision comes after 14 people died from sunstroke at an award ceremony in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Ten of those who died were women, and four were men.
Seven people were sent to the hospital to be treated. The patients were admitted to MGM Hospital in Kamothe, Vashi Civic Hospital, and Medicover Hospital in Kharghar for treatment.
The incident occurred at the Maharashtra Bhushan Award celebration, which was hosted by the state government in Navi Mumbai. Several lakh people attended the event, which was held on an open field in Khargar. The majority of them in attendance were supporters of social worker Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, who received the Maharashtra Bhushan Award. The prize was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was also present at the occasion.
Dharmadhikari is well-known for organising tree planting efforts, blood donation drives, and medical camps, in addition to his anti-drug activity in tribal communities.
The event sparked a significant response, with the opposition accusing the Maharashtra administration of insensitivity. Opposition leader Ajit Pawar also demanded that the administration be charged with culpable homicide.
In reaction to the backlash, state minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated that the schedule was suggested by Dharmadhikari and that the event was prepared accordingly.