The state government today announced Rs five lakh cash award for Everest conqueror Krushnaa Patil.

Dilip Deshmukh, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, said, “Krushnaa has made Maharashtra as well as the nation proud by conquering Mount Everest. I congratulate her on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra.”

The minister declared the award after a special recommendation by Congress MLC Sanjay Dutt, in the Legislative Council.

An elated Krushnaa Patil said, “Surendra Chavan called me to give the news. I’m happy. What makes me more happy is the fact that the recommendation was made by Dutt whom I had approached for donation before my expedition.”

Apparently, before the expedition, Dutt had asked Krushnaa to wait for a couple of days for the donation. “I was so excited that I messaged Dutt saying: Dil khush kar diya Mamu. Zappi Dene ka man kar raha hain,” she smiled.

Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackerey had announced a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh to Krushnaa. “I have not yet decided what is to be done with the money. However, I will use it towards environment causes,” said Patil.