11 July,2026 03:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday criticised the Maharashtra government over its response to the recent series of earthquake tremors in the Marathwada region, accusing the administration of giving greater importance to publicity than disaster preparedness.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party alleged that the government had failed to adequately address concerns arising from repeated tremors reported in the districts of Hingoli, Parbhani and Nanded.
The editorial contrasted the government's response to heavy rainfall in Mumbai with what it described as a lack of urgency in dealing with seismic activity in rural Maharashtra.
The editorial claimed that while senior ministers visited Mumbai's emergency war room during heavy rains, the administration had not shown a similar level of concern over the earthquake tremors in Marathwada.
"Mr. Show-Off, do you even understand? An earthquake has hit Marathwada!" the editorial said, referring to the Chief Minister and the state's Disaster Management Minister.
It further alleged that the visits during the Mumbai rains were aimed at publicity rather than effective disaster management.
According to the editorial, four tremors were recorded in the early hours of July 9 in Hingoli, Parbhani and Nanded districts, causing concern among residents across the region.
The editorial said the recent tremors were felt across a large geographical area, extending into parts of Karnataka and Telangana.
It also referred to the September 30, 1993, Latur-Killari earthquake, stating that the memories of one of India's deadliest earthquakes remain deeply embedded in the minds of people in Marathwada.
The party argued that repeated tremors should be treated as a serious warning requiring stronger preparedness and long-term planning.
The editorial also referred to the reported collapse of a bridge on a national highway in Nanded's Vishnupuri area after the recent tremors, alleging that poor construction quality contributed to the incident.
Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that several parts of Maharashtra previously considered relatively stable are witnessing increased seismic activity.
The editorial said regions including Marathwada, Vidarbha, the Koyna region in western Maharashtra, and areas covering Thane, Shahapur and Palghar require closer monitoring because of recurring tremors.
It argued that the government should strengthen disaster preparedness and improve response mechanisms in earthquake-prone areas.
Concluding its criticism, the editorial accused the state government of failing to adequately strengthen Maharashtra's disaster management system despite repeated warnings from nature.
"No one knows what lies hidden in the womb of the earth or what the future holds. However, the continuous chain of earthquakes in Marathwada should serve as a massive wake-up call for the government and the administration to shake off their complacency before the destruction occurs," the editorial said.
