Raigad-Alibag, September 2026: The contribution of ‘Jeevandoots’ (lifesavers) who risk their own lives to rush to the aid of people affected by accidents, floods, landslides, heavy rainfall and other disasters is truly invaluable. Honouring their courage and spirit of service is a matter of pride, Raigad Guardian Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale said.
He was speaking at the Jeevandoot Felicitation Ceremony 2026, organised by the Raigad Police under the Road Safety Campaign 2026 at the RCF Auditorium in Kurul.
District Collector Kishan Jawale, Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Neha Bhosale, Additional Superintendent of Police Abhijit Shivthare, Deputy Municipal Chairperson Mansi Mhatre, Reliance Group representative Shashank Goyal and other dignitaries were present.
Gogawale said traffic on the Mumbai-Goa Highway is expected to increase significantly during the Ganesh festival. To prevent traffic congestion and accidents during this period, the police, district administration, Public Works Department and National Highways authorities should work in close coordination.
He directed the administration to provide rescue teams with the necessary equipment so that rescue operations can be launched immediately in the event of road accidents. He also assured that efforts would be made to provide essential equipment to rescue teams through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of industries operating in the district.
The Guardian Minister further urged the police and other agencies to remain vigilant during the Ganesh festival to prevent traffic congestion. He said road safety is not merely the responsibility of the administration but also that of every vehicle driver.
He appealed to two-wheeler riders to wear helmets and urged motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol or at excessive speed. “Safety is more important than speed, a helmet is more important than style, and life is more important than haste,” Gogawale said.
Rescue Teams Play Crucial Role During Disasters
District Collector Kishan Jawale said Raigad is a diverse district with a coastline, mountains and valleys, highways, tourist destinations and industrial areas. As a result, the district has to deal with various natural and man-made disasters.
Rescue teams have displayed tremendous courage during every such crisis, he said. They have undertaken challenging operations during heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, highway accidents and industrial mishaps.
“Special courage and a spirit of service are required to risk one’s own life and rush to the aid of a person in distress,” Jawale said, adding that the Jeevandoots of Raigad have provided tremendous support to the administration during every crisis.
In her introductory remarks, Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal said rescue teams have played a crucial role during difficult disaster situations. Describing their work as that of “angels” who come forward to help during devastating circumstances, she praised their contribution.
She said the services of rescue teams are not limited to major disasters, as they provide valuable assistance to citizens every day during emergencies and crises of various kinds.
Rescue Teams and Voluntary Organisations Felicitated
Representatives of Help Foundation, Shelar Mama Rescue, Sangharsh Ek Samaj Sevesathi, Flying Birds Shrivardhan, Sahyadri Wildlife Team of Poladpur, L&T Construction Rescue Team, Neral-Matheran Rescue Team, Pratapgad Rescue, Mahabaleshwar Trekkers, rescue teams from the Mahad region and various voluntary organisations from across the district were felicitated by the dignitaries.
During the programme, a rescue boat and rescue equipment kits were handed over to the Raigad District Disaster Management Authority through the CSR fund of Reliance Foundation, Nagothane.
Public representatives, government officials, representatives of various organisations and members of rescue teams attended the programme in large numbers.
