BMC gears up for monsoon: Debris removal, disaster management, and dewatering pumps in action | File Photo
Mumbai: Several infrastructure projects, including road concretisation, bridge construction, and metro rail development, are underway across the city. To avoid disruptions during the monsoon, civic authorities have instructed that no construction or demolition (C&D) debris be left on the roads.
Assistant Municipal Commissioners are tasked with coordinating with relevant authorities to clear debris promptly. Once the work is completed, agencies are instructed to remove barricades and ensure the roads are clear to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani at the civic headquarters on Friday.
The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioners Vipin Sharma, Dr. Amit Saini, Abhijit Bangar, Milind Shambharkar, Chief Officer of the Mumbai Building and Reconstruction Board, and other civic officials. Representatives from various agencies, including Central and Western Railways, India Meteorological Department, Indian Coast Guard, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mumbai Traffic Police, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and others, also participated in the meeting.
Gagrani instructed all agencies to be prepared to address the challenge of waterlogging in low-lying areas during the monsoon. He emphasised coordination among agencies to ensure the uninterrupted operation of suburban railway services.
“All agencies should ensure that debris is not left unattended on the roads after work is completed. Assistant Commissioners of wards should coordinate with agencies to clear the area for smooth traffic,” said Gagrani.
Mahesh Narvekar, the Director of the Disaster Management Cell, presented the city’s monsoon preparedness plan. The BMC will be deploying 482 geo-tagged dewatering pumps across low-lying areas, to ensure accountability and quick response to any pump failure.
Control rooms in all 25 wards will be staffed and equipped for efficient coordination. Residents in vulnerable landslide-prone zones will be advised to relocate, with disaster preparedness training provided. Additionally, precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of waterborne and contagious diseases.
