Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, May 22: With the onset of pre-monsoon showers already triggering waterlogging in parts of Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to assess and reinforce the state’s monsoon preparedness, issuing directives to ensure zero complacency, even during weekends and public holidays.
Fadnavis stressed the need for heightened vigilance, especially after the city witnessed waterlogging following the first pre-monsoon rains on Tuesday. He instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remain on high alert and to ensure quick response systems are in place to tackle any emergency that may arise during the rainy season.
Highlighting a critical concern, the chief minister revealed that Mumbai has 249 landslide-prone areas, and directed the civic authorities to clearly mark these zones on maps for swift accessibility in case of any disaster or evacuation.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state is expected to receive 110-119% rainfall this year. Fadnavis instructed officials in Kolhapur and Sangli districts to remain extra cautious, as these areas are likely to witness heavy downpours.
In a bid to avoid flood-like situations, he also directed the water resources department to work in close coordination with their counterparts in neighboring states to ensure regulated release of water from dams.
During the comprehensive review meeting, the CM asked concerned departments to keep updated maps and emergency plans ready for possible evacuations. These should be made readily available to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other disaster response agencies if the situation demands.
Fadnavis also stressed on maintaining coordination with IAF, Navy, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mumbai Port Authority, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) throughout the monsoon to ensure a robust and swift response in times of crisis.
With the monsoon season just around the corner, the state machinery is gearing up for proactive management of potential risks, with the government reiterating its commitment to safeguard lives and property.