Mumbai water woes: ‘Address water loss, crack down on those who cause flooding,' says BMC chief

The BMC has taken serious note of 34 per cent water leakage and disruption of railways due to waterlogging from a housing society. At a meeting on Monday with all civic officials concerned, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani instructed the appointment of a flying squad to prevent unauthorised connections and strict action against private societies responsible for flooding.

He also instructed officials to visit parking spaces with commercial establishments to free them up for public use. Gagrani has given instructions on various issues including water supply, road development, rainwater drainage, construction of new toilets, wet and dry solid waste collection, monsoon-related diseases, action against unauthorised hawkers, parking of vehicles, action against dilapidated buildings and civic facility centers.

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Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani instructs officials on Monday

Gagrani said though lakes are 98 per cent full, demand for water is increasing by the day. Although the amount of non-water revenue (NRW) has come down from 38 per cent to 34 per cent, it should be reduced further. "Apart from preventing water leakage, action should be taken against unauthorised connections. A separate flying squad should be appointed for that. It will also increase revenue generation," he said.

According to Gagrani, the BMC received several complaints in September regarding water supply, leakages, contamination, etc. of which 500 complaints were received from the city, 955 from the eastern suburbs and 972 from the western suburbs. About 99 per cent of these complaints were addressed. He also said that Mumbaikars should be convinced of the importance of water by emphasising on water conservation in the next few years.

During the meeting on Monday, there was a discussion about the waterlogging on the railway tracks. Recently, train services were disrupted after tracks were waterlogged at three locations. The main line was disturbed due to waterlogging at Bhandup and Kurla, and the Harbour Line was disturbed due to waterlogging at Chunabhatti. In a meeting with BMC, railway officials alleged that a few housing societies are discharging rainwater into the railway nullahs.

"A stern notice should be sent to housing societies which affect suburban railway services. Strict action should be taken if they do not adhere to the instructions," said the civic chief.

No trenches on roads

The BMC has undertaken the concreting of approximately 800 km of roads in the city. The commissioner instructed the roads department to coordinate with the Hydraulic Engineer department, sewerage department, power supply companies, internet companies and telecommunication companies to avoid any trenching or digging after the road is constructed. Gagarani said that the digging of roads will not be approved despite any pressure.

Action on use of parking space

While discussing the pay and park issue, Gagrani said commercial establishments like shopping malls, restaurants, business complexes, etc. have taken the construction permissions of the corporation by showing the details of the parking lots. However, in some places, parking spaces are being blocked and used for commercial purposes. Use of parking spaces for other purposes should be prevented. The commissioner also mentioned that the city engineer and the assistant commissioner of the ward offices concerned should jointly inspect the site and take strict action immediately. He also explained that large-scale parking facilities will be provided in central and western Mumbai. The objective is not to collect revenue, but to provide parking facilities. A mobile app is being developed for the convenience of citizens. "Along with parking facilities, strict action should be taken against illegal parking and those obstructing traffic by parking vehicles on roads. Help of the traffic police should be taken for that," Gagrani said.

Other instructions

Deputy municipal commissioners and assistant commissioner have been asked to casually visit Civic Facility Centres (CFCs) to ensure the staff is trained, skilled and courteous. They are also to ensure that the internet, server and system runs smoothly and the centre has adequate seating arrangements, drinking water, and barrier-free space.

As per the directives of the high court, the BMC should crack down on unauthorised hawkers, abandoned vehicles, and footpath encroachments. "Action should be taken regularly not only during the day but also during the night and also on Saturdays and Sundays," the civic chief asserted.

According to Gagrani, a strategic decision will also be taken on how the amenity plots can be developed without using the funds of the municipal corporation.

500
No. of complaints BMC received in Sept on water woes in city