The Maharashtra government has approved the setting up of a State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) in Nagpur. Modeled after the National Institute of Disaster Management in Delhi, the SIDM will act as a central agency for disaster planning, training, emergency response, and relief work. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.
According to local daily report, a 10-acre land in Maharashtra Airport Development Company’s area in MIHAN has been allotted for the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM). The state cabinet has also approved ₹187.73 crore for its building and related infrastructure. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the move and praised the efforts of officers in improving disaster response. The cabinet noted that SIDM, along with modern emergency centres and tech-based reforms, highlights Maharashtra’s leadership in disaster management.
According to government officials, the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) will play a key role in training, capacity building, research, and policy-making in disaster management. It will function under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, similar to the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). The institute will have a mix of permanent and contractual staff, including technical advisors. The Chief Secretary-led State Executive Committee will act as its regulatory body.
The government has also launched a tech-driven State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Mumbai, equipped with AI, fast communication tools, and real-time coordination systems. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stressed the need for quicker responses due to the increasing impact of climate change on disasters.
Fadnavis asserted that the new systems will improve disaster management at every stage—from early warnings to post-disaster recovery. He added that similar high-tech emergency centres are being set up in all districts to boost local-level preparedness.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved the transfer of freehold government land in Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to their respective regional development authorities. This move is aimed at generating funds for metropolitan development and speeding up key infrastructure projects.
The regional development authorities will handle the disposal of the transferred land as per a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP), the government said. In cases where the land includes grazing grounds, forests, or temple property, action will be taken in line with Supreme Court directives. If the land belongs to gram panchayats or zilla parishads, their consent will be necessary for any development work.