Mumbai, June 15: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all agencies to prevent loss of life during the monsoon in Mumbai and the metropolitan area. With this year’s rainfall delayed, it is crucial to plan for disaster management and drinking water supply. Cleaning of drains, maintenance of water storage ponds, and installation of safety nets in landslide-prone areas are essential. Shinde instructed the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to form a disaster response team similar to the NDRF. He stressed that administrative agencies should work as a team to provide relief to Mumbai residents during the monsoon.
In the meantime, Shinde noted that out of 2,000 kilometers of roads in Mumbai, 1,700 kilometers have been concreted, resulting in an 80% reduction in road and pothole repair costs.
During a video conference, Shinde reviewed pre-monsoon activities in Mumbai and surrounding areas. The meeting included Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Deputy Chief Minister Sanjay Ghadge, Additional Chief Secretary Aseem Gupta, Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and officials from various departments including railways, police, CIDCO, MHADA, MMRDA, SRA, Coast Guard, Navy, NDRF, and BEST.
Shinde mentioned that the plans made by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and other departments would be beneficial in providing relief to residents. He urged that areas where drain cleaning is incomplete should be prioritized. The delay in rainfall has given agencies extra time to prepare. Water storage ponds and flood control gates should be activated. BEST and ST should plan alternative transport arrangements. The Municipal Corporation must take extra precautions to prevent accidents caused by falling trees. The railways should ensure proper cleaning of drains beneath the tracks.
He also stated that proper drainage in slum areas would help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. The Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Hospital should maintain an adequate stock of medicines. Precautions must be taken to ensure that water does not accumulate at metro stations.
Shinde called for coordination with NDRF, Navy, Air Force, and Army to provide relief to Mumbai residents during emergencies.
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