Mumbai: CM Eknath Shinde warns BMC officials of action in case of waterlogging

CM Eknath Shinde inspecting desilting work of storm water drains undertaken by BMC across the city

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted an inspection of the desilting of the storm water drains by the BMC ahead of the monsoon and expressed satisfaction over the work done so far. During the inspection drive on Sunday, he also said that the officials concerned will face action for waterlogging and assured residents in dilapidated buildings and landslide-prone areas that the authorities would provide them temporary accommodation in MMRDA Colony.

"All civic officers are working on the ground level. Even during the monsoon, officials will be on the spot at the site. If waterlogging occurs and affects normal life, it will be assumed that no proper pre-monsoon work has been done and consider taking action against the officer concerned," said Shinde addressing the media persons.

He was accompanied by Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, additional municipal commissioners Sudhakar Shinde and Sanjay Bangar, along with other senior civic officials. Shinde visited J K Chemical Nullah at Wadala, Mithi River at Bandra Kurla Complex, Majas Nullah at Jogeshwari and Dahisar river at Dahisar. "If any problems arise, they will be addressed immediately. All officers will be on the ground even in monsoon. There are dewatering pumps at places prone to waterlogging, during monsoon. Holding tanks have been made to store rainwater during high tide. Despite all the measures, if the city faces waterlogging, then the government will consider taking action against the official concerned, assuming that the work has not been done properly," Shinde said. He added that similar measures taken last year had ensured that there was no major waterlogging in the city.

Deep cleaning in railway premises

"We had a deep cleaning drive in the city. Now we are working to start a deep cleaning drive in the railway premises. We have also asked civic officials to keep watch on culvert cleaning in the railway premises. The BEST has also been asked to stay in alert mode for monsoon preparations and provide buses as per requirement when local train operations are affected during the monsoon," he said.

Temporary relocation

"We have decided to embark on a ‘zero casualty' mission this monsoon. Keeping this in mind, I have ordered the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to give temporary houses to the families who are living in landslide prone areas and dilapidated buildings during the monsoon. We are also considering commencing redevelopment of old buildings stranded for years. Currently, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is undertaking this work. We are now thinking of involving other government authorities, including BMC, in this regard. With our efforts on multiple fronts, Mumbaikar who had been shifted out of the city due to pending redevelopment will now return to the city again," he said.

‘They clean coffers, we clean nullahs'

Alluding to Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde flayed the chief of his erstwhile party over the desilting of storm water drains. He said that under the pretext of desilting they cleaned out BMC coffers, while now nullahs are actually cleared of silt and trash. "Last year, the city witnessed the result of our work as there was no waterlogging. Even this year the city will see the results. They wasted R3,000 crore in the last 10-15 years for road repairs. Why didn't they think of making all the roads concrete?" Shinde questioned.

Involvement of citizens

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed to the citizens to inform the BMC about solid waste and debris in public places. People may send photos on 81696 81697, so BMC could immediately work on the complaint.