Tauktae test over, time to put rain reckoner in order

Waves lash over onto a shoreline in Mumbai. Pic/AFP

Yesterday, this edit reminded people about getting rain ready, in the wake of heavy rains and blow-you-away winds as a result of the cyclone passing by the city. We told citizens that while the state government is making promises about being ready for the season, we have to do our bit at an individual level. We had highlighted keeping cars in prime condition, getting experts to address any electrical problems at home or in the housing society and generally, ensuring what you can do on a personal level to ensure safety in what is often a trying three months approximately for the city.

Having spoken about the onus on the person, we hope that Cyclone Tauktae damage will galvanise authorities to get cracking on rain repair works when it comes to Mumbai infra. For years now, we have heard a steamroll of assurances from state leaders and the BMC of being primed for the season and whatever it may bring forth.

Come the first deluge and people begin the familiar scrambling, with transport and other infra arms then struggling to remain above the water, both metaphorically and literally. Monday mayhem must act as a driving force for the BMC to start putting its rain reckoner in order, if not already done so.

Factor in more problems because we are amidst an outbreak. This throws up scenarios like longer response time, medical facilities may be harder to access and staff crunch. One is sure that the government has all this in mind, when it claims that they are working towards an incident-free, hopefully calamity free, monsoon too.

Pumping mechanisms, better and more visible signage, attention to gutters and their covers, pothole problems… the list is long and wearily familiar. People and politicians need to work in tandem to give real meaning to the phrase: stay safe this season.