Several people have died and 15 others are critical due to heat-related health issues at the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2022 event, which was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday. More than 120 people suffered from heat-related health issues, like dehydration due exposure to sunlight, as over 3 lakh people had gathered at the event and the temperature was recorded at 42° Celsius. Lakhs of followers of Dharmadhikari attended the grand function held on a sprawling 306-acre ground in Kharghar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award, instituted by the Maharashtra government, to Dharmadhikari. The event, for which people had started gathering since morning began around 11.30 am and went on till around 1 pm.
“A total of 123 people complained of heat-related health ailments, like dehydration during the event. They were immediately referred to the 30 medical booths set up at the venue. Thirteen of the patients, who needed further treatment, were shifted to different private hospitals and the condition of one of them is serious,” said a revenue department official. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced Rs 5 lakh aide granted to the kin of the deceased. The number of casualties is likely to go up as the condition of fifteen people remains critical. The government has also decided to pay for the treatment of those who suffered heat-related illness.
Opposition parties have slammed the government for holding the event in such extreme heat conditions, calling it a case of culpable homicide by the government. The tragedy highlights the need for organizers and the government authorities to take adequate precautions to protect people from extreme heat conditions, especially during large gatherings or events.
