The Hindu Business Line : Maharashtra: Authorities gear up as rains continue

Mumbaities don't forget things easily and the 2005 Mumbai floods is something that every Mumbaikar recalls with stories that could become the next bestseller in town.

Well, its almost a year now and as the monsoon settled in this month, the last two days have brought back dark memories of 26/7. Mumbaities love the rain but somehow, this time, they seem to be on the edge since the deluge of last year.

According to the weather bureau, heavy rains were anticipated and as predicated, on day one of the week, most offices shut by 4 p.m. On day two, offices let their employees leave by mid-noon, as the downpour continued all day.

Though Mumbaities are known for their zeal to work hard and play hard, poor infrastructure prompts them to shut down their offices just in order to reach home on the very same day. And what have local authorities done about it?

Steps taken

Well, to begin with, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has identified 85 locations from Colaba to Mulund on the central side and up to Dahisar on the western end of Mumbai city that are flood-sensitive areas; each ward (24) shall pump out water with the help of 200 BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) employees plus home guards and volunteers from Non-Government Organisations. Thus, in total, 4,800 plus social workers and officials are at work to make sure that the citizens of Mumbai are able to reach home safely and in due time.

The wards are also equipped with boats (small rowing boats) for specific areas where the water level is deep and high. While the MCGM workers do their work, citizens have been encouraged to put forward suggestions or complaints on traffic congestion during such difficult times on 3040 3040; it is the traffic police helpline number that notifies and works on such information thus trying to limit the damages as seen last year.

More Stories on : Natural Calamities | Maharashtra

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page