Machines are useless without human support

Anti-larval treatments being carried through drones. Pic/Twitter

In order to alleviate floodwater woes of Mumbaikars during the monsoon, the BMC is going to add another rescue machine to its arsenal. A Quick Response Vehicle equipped with dewatering pumps, jetting system and other tools will help give an immediate response to complaints about stormwater drains to nullahs across the city.

In this paper, a BMC official has been quoted as saying that waterlogging and flooding have been longstanding problems in Mumbai during the monsoon. Though measures have been taken to tackle these problems, the BMC is now thinking about acquiring a vehicle with all equipment to tackle any stormwater drains problem.

In another report, the civic authority has said it will tap into more modern methods to eliminate mosquito-breeding spots. The annual detection and destruction of thousands of breeding sites may now be replaced by drones which will be used to control mosquito breeding spots. Drones are now being used at prominent places which are unreachable for labourers, and there is a plan to increase the number.

Both these reports show that BMC is stepping on the gas when it comes to tackling problems and constant innovation is the name of the game.

Having said that, it is important that waterlogging is not compounded by illegal structures blocking whatever little leeway is available for water flow.

It is even more vital that gutters and other drains are not choked by rubbish, by people or roadside eatery owners. Similarly, about mosquito breeding, building societies have to be especially vigilant when it comes to water pooling in their surroundings.

Contractors need to be alert at the sites especially, as this is a perennial problem when construction of buildings or infra is on.

Upgradation in technology is welcome but the human factor or effort and technology go together. Both need to work in tandem for optimum results.