CM Devendra Fadnavis Assures Full Support To Aga Khan Development Network For Healthcare, Climate And Social Projects In Maharashtra

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged the Maharashtra government's full backing for the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in their healthcare, education, tribal development, skill development, water management and climate action projects. On his inaugural visit to Maharashtra, Prince Rahim Aga Khan met Fadnavis at the Fairmont Hotel, followed by comprehensive discussions on various social projects, healthcare facilities, climate action, water management, heritage conservation and public-private partnerships.

Fadnavis commended the AKDN's efforts in water conservation, environmental protection and drought-prone area development. He expressed the state's readiness to collaborate on expanding these projects. The two parties discussed forming an institutional mechanism for ongoing project review and potential expansion.

AKDN shared details of a study aimed at mitigating urban heat, discussing strategies like increasing green cover, eco-friendly urban planning and climate action. Discussions on healthcare projects included plans for a children's hospital, geriatric center, rehabilitation center, skill-based healthcare training and research facilities. Fadnavis supported a proposal for geriatric care doctor training, highlighting the need for specialized healthcare due to the growing elderly population.

The meeting also touched upon cultural heritage conservation, preservation of historical sites, green initiatives and community-based development. The AKDN pledged to expand such initiatives statewide. Prince Rahim Aga Khan then thanked Fadnavis for the collaboration opportunities in Maharashtra, expressing the network's interest in partnering on healthcare, environment, skill development and social development, with potential exploration of new areas for citizen benefit.