As Mumbai braces itself for the monsoon season, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a stern warning to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), setting a deadline of June 7 for the completion of desilting work across the city. Failure to meet this deadline, Shinde cautioned, would result in strict action against the responsible officers, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring the city's preparedness for the heavy rains.
Shinde's directive came after a review of the city's monsoon preparations, including site inspections of ongoing desilting works. He emphasized that all major and minor drain cleaning activities in Mumbai and its suburbs must be completed by the specified date. The Deputy CM also instructed that silt removed from the drains should be disposed of at designated dumping grounds within 48 hours to prevent it from re-entering the drainage systems and causing further blockages.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by predictions of an early monsoon arrival in Mumbai. Several independent weather experts suggest that the monsoon may arrive in the first week of June, ahead of the usual date of June 11. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also indicated a likely early onset in Kerala around May 27, with a model error of four days, further fueling expectations of an early monsoon in Mumbai.
Recognizing the potential for flooding and waterlogging, the BMC has been working to mitigate these risks through various measures. These include the deployment of vehicle-mounted dewatering pumps in congested areas to ensure swift drainage of water. The civic body plans to lease a fleet of these vehicles for a four-year period at an estimated cost of Rs 8.8 crore. The BMC has also installed 422 water pumps at flood-prone locations, set up 2 storage tanks, and activated 10 mini pumping stations to prevent waterlogging.
To enhance the efficiency and transparency of the desilting process, the BMC is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor the operations. AI is being used to analyze video footage of silt extraction, weighing, transportation, and disposal, ensuring proper oversight and accountability. The BMC has also launched a dedicated portal where citizens can track the progress of desilting work in their localities through photos and videos.
According to recent reports, 85% of major drains and 65% of minor drains have already been cleaned. Shinde expressed confidence that the remaining work would be completed on time, given the 15-day window before the deadline. The drain cleaning exercise is being carried out in coordination with the BMC and Railway administration, with robots being used to remove garbage from under railway culverts.
In addition to desilting and drainage improvements, the BMC is also focusing on landslide prevention. Shinde visited Surya Nagar in Vikhroli, a landslide-prone area, and instructed the installation of protective nets. He also directed officials to relocate residents of high-risk zones to safer locations.
As Mumbai gears up for the monsoon, the BMC is taking a multi-pronged approach to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of its citizens. The combination of technological advancements, proactive measures, and strict deadlines reflects the city's commitment to monsoon preparedness.
