BMC to launch citizens' portal to handle disasters

A day after the BMC presented its budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year, its announcement of strengthening the Disaster management cell has found favour with citizen groups

A day after the BMC presented its budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year, its announcement of strengthening the disaster management cell has found favour with citizen groups, reported the Indian Express.

The BMC's new initiative of launching an interactive web portal Mumbai Voice to facilitate better disaster management has been applauded. "The civic body's decision to include citizens for better disaster management is a heartening step. Any development can only work successfully if there is citizen's involvement with the authorities," said Neera Punj, convenor, Citispace citizen group told the paper.

Aiming at faster response, the BMC has taken the help of an NGO to set up the web portal that will enable people to log onto the site and get information on any emergency situation. This web portal will be linked with the main BMC website. Users can also give updates on what is happening in and around his area.

"All this will help us draw up better preparedness strategies," said S S Shinde, deputy municipal commissioner (disaster management).

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