Mumbai: With heavy rains battering several parts of Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Guardian Minister of the city, Eknath Shinde, on Monday directed the state government and BMC to remain on alert mode and ensure prompt relief and rescue operations.
Issuing a stern warning, Shinde emphasised that no dewatering pump should be non-functional during the monsoon under any circumstances. He also instructed the BMC to coordinate closely with the Railways, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for seamless flood management and effective disaster preparedness.
On Monday, Shinde visited the Disaster Management Cell at the BMC headquarters to review the city’s preparedness and response to the ongoing monsoon conditions. He was accompanied by State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Principal Secretary to the DCM's Office Navin Sona, Additional Municipal Commissioners Dr. Vipin Sharma and Abhijeet Bangar, Director (Disaster Management) Mahesh Narvekar, along with other key officials.
While talking to media persons Shinde said, "Typically, the monsoon arrives in Mumbai around June 10. However, for the first time, the city witnessed intense rainfall as early as May this year. While the expected average rainfall for this period is around 50 mm, Mumbai received over 250 mm of rain in a single day — a cloudburst-like situation — causing widespread disruption for citizens."
He added, "Although the rains arrived earlier than expected this year, the BMC has been instructed to complete desilting work without delay." For the first time, Mumbai is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor drain-cleaning operations in real time, while robotic equipment clears waste from railway culverts to boost efficiency and reduce manual risk.
The BMC has identified low-lying flood-prone areas and installed 422 dewatering pumps. Additionally, two underground water storage tanks and 10 mini pumping stations are now operational.
“In landslide-prone zones, where accidents frequently occur, the BMC has been directed to install protective nets and relocate vulnerable residents to safer shelters,” said Shinde.
On Monday, upscale areas of Mumbai—Colaba, Cuffe Parade, and Nariman Point—faced flooding for the first time in nearly 20 years since the devastating July 26, 2005 deluge. In Colaba, usually flood-free zones like Somani Marg and the lane near Blue Bird Hotel were waterlogged, marking their first such incident in recent memory. Waterlogging was also reported outside Ajanta Ocean View near Sassoon Dock Gate 2.
“This clearly exposes the false claims of monsoon preparedness made by the BMC and highlights the corruption pervasive at various levels within the civic body,” alleged Makarand Narwekar, BJP’s former corporator from Colaba.
