Mumbai: A week after, the traditional water logging spots in Mumbai, including the Hindmata, Dadar, Sion, Wadala and other areas of the city were severely flooded, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani inspected the low-lying areas and directed to ensure the pumping stations are operational to its full capacities and diesel operated dewatering pumps are ready in time of emergency. He took review of the pumping stations at Hindmata and Gandhi market on Tuesday and directed to install flow meters and enhance vigilance.
He also instructed that storm water drains near Chunabhatti Railway Station be properly cleaned and an additional dewatering pump should be deployed, to minimise the response time in case of a pump failure, to prevent rain water accumulation near the railway station and avoid distribution of harbour line railway services.
On Monday, May 26, the monsoon hit Mumbai and the heavy downpour left in several areas in south Mumbai flooded, including the traditional water logging spots and many new locations. The waterlogging had brought the road traffic to a grinding halt and train services disrupted.
"During emergencies, additional manpower should be deployed, and diesel generator sets should be made available immediately in case of pump failure. Pumping station operations must be timely and efficient during rainfall. The operators must stay alert and in contact with the disaster management department to regularly monitor rainfall forecasts," Gagrani said.
The BMC has been under scrutiny for its decision to reduce the number of dewatering pumps from 482 to 417. Following widespread criticism over severe waterlogging during Mumbai’s first heavy rainfall, the BMC also penalised four contractors for failing to activate mini pumping station before May 25.
At Hindmata, a new contract for operating dewatering pumps was awarded in April, and the contractor was given a grace period to activate the pumps by May 25. However, activation was delayed by a day—coinciding with the downpour.
At King’s Circle, only four of the six dewatering pumps were functional, compounding the flooding. Other areas, such as Chunabhatti and Yellow Gate, also experienced flooding due to non-operational mini pumping stations.
