Vacate Dangerous Buildings, Indian Navy On Standby: How BMC Is Bracing Up For Mumbai Monsoon

Mumbaikars will now receive weather updates on their mobile phones through SMSes during monsoon season, news agency PTI has reported citing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Monsoon|TOI Representational Image

BMC's official release

The District Disaster Management Department has set up a control room to provide timely alerts about weather conditions and it has a mechanism to provide real-time weather alerts, a BMC release said. "An SMS alert will be sent to citizens during an emergency," it said.

Mumbai has a history of reporting major waterlogging and other rain-related issues during heavy downpours, these measures are being taken to help authorities as well as citizens in dealing with the monsoon situation in the city.

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday chaired a meeting with various agencies on disaster management and monsoon preparedness.

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Officials of BEST, MMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, Mumbai Metro, Railways, NDRF, IMD, MHADA and other agencies, along with civic officials, attended the meeting. Chahal directed all departments and agencies to expedite coordination to mitigate the possible challenges during the monsoon, the release said.

Preparations in full swing

1. For the smooth operation of suburban trains, which are used by more than 70 lakh people daily, Chahal directed the BMC's garden department to complete the trimming of trees in the railway premises by May-end.
2. The BMC will install de-watering pumps at 480 locations in Mumbai where waterlogging may occur during heavy rainfall and these pumps will also have CCTV camera surveillance.
3. BMC has directed that no permission will be given for the digging of roads in Mumbai except for emergencies after May 15.
4. The civic body has also reserved 3,000 beds to accommodate patients with monsoon-related diseases.
5. It has also made arrangements to provide shelter to citizen in five schools in case of emergencies like heavy rainfall.
6. Chahal said the occupants of dangerous buildings should be served notices to vacate, and alternative arrangements for their accommodation should be made. As per the orders of the High Court, the water supply of such dangerous buildings should be discontinued. "In accordance with this, Municipal Commissioner Chahal instructed to coordinate properly at the district collectorate level and to take necessary measures. He also asked to formulate the policy for the construction of protective walls," it said.
7. The BMC was informed that NDRF has formed three teams for monsoon-related emergencies in Mumbai. Additionally, an extra team will also be stationed in the eastern suburbs.
8. "The Indian Navy has also informed about their teams and divers who will be ready for emergency response," the release stated, adding that Chahal also instructed Mumbai Fire Brigade to remain vigilant for any emergency.
9. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has also been issued instructions to remain vigilant for any emergency.

In accordance with this, Municipal Commissioner Chahal instructed to coordinate properly at the district collectorate level and to take necessary measures.

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