‘Govt knew of risky spots, but did nothing’: Mumbai activist slams govt for inaction

Rescue operations at the landslide-affected Bharat Nagar area of Mahul, Chembur, on July 18. Pic/Sameer Markande

BMC corporators have raised their voices against the death of 29 citizens in two landslides over the weekend in Vikhroli and Mahul. They have pointed out that despite a detailed study carried out by the BMC's Disaster Cell on landslide-prone areas, almost nothing seems to have been done by the agencies concerned to ensure protection to these precarious structures.

Thursday's standing committee meeting was adjourned as a tribute to the dead. No discussion was held on the landslide.

The loss of life due to landslides in Mumbai is not new and the state government has not appeared serious about remedying the situation, RTI activist Anil Galgali has claimed. In the past 29 years, 290 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in landslide accidents, Galgali said.

A rescuer at the site of the landslide in Bharat Nagar, Mahul, on July 18. Pic/Sameer Markande

Through a Geographic Information System (GIS) report in 2020, the civic body was informed by the Disaster Cell in detail about vulnerable spots. But the BMC said that except sending people notices to vacate the spot, nothing else could be done as it is not the land-owning authority.

In 25 out of 36 assembly constituencies in Mumbai, 257 places are classified as dangerous in hilly areas. Galgali said, "The government was already recommended the relocation policy for huts in dangerous conditions but nothing has been done." Further, the BMC, too, has submitted a detailed report to MHADA and PWD, who are the agencies involved in constructing retaining walls around the landslide-prone areas.

BJP corporator, Prabhakar Shinde, said, "It is sad that the administration is unable to save lives of innocent citizens despite knowing very well that these are vulnerable areas and can be impacted easily during high rainfall. And it is even more unfortunate that there is no discussion done by the BMC's ruling party as they adjourn a meeting without a discussion about who is responsible for this ill-fated incident." Disaster cell chief, Mahesh Narvekar, was not available for comment.

257
No. of dangerous spots in city's hilly areas