As the monsoon season approaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) held an important meeting on Tuesday to prepare for heavy rains. The meeting took place at the Municipal Corporation Headquarters and was led by Dr. Vipin Sharma, the municipal commissioner in charge and additional municipal commissioner for the Western Suburbs.
The main goal of the meeting was to avoid disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. All departments were placed on high alert, and key instructions were given to handle potential emergencies during the monsoon.
Dr. Vipin Sharma instructed all deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to work closely with the Rainwater Drainage Department. They were told to ensure the timely installation of water pumps and diesel-powered generators in low-lying parts of the city. This measure aims to reduce waterlogging and power outages during heavy rains.
To protect public safety, Dr. Sharma also directed officials to secure structural stability certificates for advertisement hoardings. These hoardings fall under the jurisdiction of various authorities. He stressed the importance of securing all such structures before the monsoon worsens.
The Fire Brigade was ordered to deploy extra lifeguards at city beaches. The Parks Department was also asked to speed up tree pruning work, not only on public land but on private property as well.
In a major step toward disaster preparedness, Dr. Sharma called for the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in important urban and suburban areas. Traffic police were instructed to set up ‘green corridors’ to allow emergency vehicles quick access during any incidents.
The meeting was attended by senior BMC officials, including Dr. Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner for the Eastern Suburbs; Mr. Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner for Projects; Mr. Kishore Gandhi, Deputy Commissioner for General Administration; along with officers from various departments and representatives from all seven administrative circles.
