Crowds at the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan Awards’ ceremony, in Navi Mumbai on April 16, 2023. Photo Credit: ANI
At least 11 people died of heatstroke while attending the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai on April 16, the Chief Minister’s Office said.
Over 20 people were undergoing treatment at Navi Mumbai’s MGM Hospital after suffering from heat stroke, dehydration and other health issues.
According to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who later visited the patients, seven or eight people died due to heat stroke. Another 24 people fell ill and were taken to hospital, where they are being treated.
Mr. Shinde said, “The state government will give a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and bear the cost of treatment of those admitted to the hospital.”
The death toll is expected to rise as authorities fear.
The program for which people started gathering since Sunday morning, started around 11.30 am and went on till around 1 pm. Photo Credit: ANI
According to sources, thousands of people gathered at the sprawling 306-acre ground in Khargar where social activist Dattatreya Narayan alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was given the Maharashtra Bhushan award in the presence of CM Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. was given. other dignitaries.
According to sources, the provision of tents was limited to a select few VIPs with dignitaries, members of the media and most of the people present on the dais having traveled from various parts of Maharashtra to start milling hours before the event. Have left to bear the brunt of the scorching heat.
Officials said more than 120 people suffered from heat-related health problems.
The program for which people had started assembling since morning, started around 11.30 am and went on till around 1 am. The ground was packed with followers of Sri Sadasya (Shri Dharmadhikari’s organization) to watch the ceremony. The seating arrangements for the attendees were made in the open and there was no shade to beat the heat.