BMC Chief Gagrani Evaluations Monsoon Readiness at Hindmata and Sion After Heavy Flooding | File Picture
Mumbai: Every week after, the normal water logging spots in Mumbai, together with the Hindmata, Dadar, Sion, Wadala and different areas of town had been severely flooded, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani inspected the low-lying areas and directed to make sure the pumping stations are operational to its full capacities and diesel operated dewatering pumps are prepared in time of emergency. He took overview of the pumping stations at Hindmata and Gandhi market on Tuesday and directed to put in move meters and improve vigilance.
He additionally instructed that storm water drains close to Chunabhatti Railway Station be correctly cleaned and a further dewatering pump needs to be deployed, to minimise the response time in case of a pump failure, to stop rain water accumulation close to the railway station and keep away from distribution of harbour line railway companies.
On Monday, Could 26, the monsoon hit Mumbai and the heavy downpour left in a number of areas in south Mumbai flooded, together with the normal water logging spots and lots of new areas. The waterlogging had introduced the street site visitors to a grinding halt and prepare companies disrupted.
“Throughout emergencies, extra manpower needs to be deployed, and diesel generator units needs to be made accessible instantly in case of pump failure. Pumping station operations should be well timed and environment friendly throughout rainfall. The operators should keep alert and in touch with the catastrophe administration division to frequently monitor rainfall forecasts,” Gagrani stated.
The BMC has been below scrutiny for its choice to scale back the variety of dewatering pumps from 482 to 417. Following widespread criticism over extreme waterlogging throughout Mumbai’s first heavy rainfall, the BMC additionally penalised 4 contractors for failing to activate mini pumping station earlier than Could 25.
At Hindmata, a brand new contract for working dewatering pumps was awarded in April, and the contractor was given a grace interval to activate the pumps by Could 25. Nevertheless, activation was delayed by a day—coinciding with the downpour.
At King’s Circle, solely 4 of the six dewatering pumps had been purposeful, compounding the flooding. Different areas, similar to Chunabhatti and Yellow Gate, additionally skilled flooding resulting from non-operational mini pumping stations.
