Navi Mumbai: With heavy pre-monsoon showers already lashing parts of Maharashtra and the monsoon season fast approaching, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has ramped up its preparedness by forming a dedicated Disaster Response Team (DRT). Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale announced the initiative, aligning with the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and in coordination with the National Disaster Authority and the Disaster Management Directorate.
Designed on the model of the Target Response Force (TRF), the DRT consists of specially trained personnel from the Fire Brigade and Civil Defense departments. These teams have been tasked with responding swiftly to emergencies triggered by natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, or building collapses. The Fire Brigade has been fully equipped with essential gear including life jackets, inflatable rafts, and emergency response kits.
The DRT will function under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Pravin Bodkhe and has been divided into two operational units for strategic deployment:
Unit 1: Headed by Fire Officer Haridas Suryavanshi and comprising 11 personnel.
Unit 2: Led by Fire Officer Sandeep Patil, also with 11 members.
In addition to the DRT, PMC has activated a Disaster Management Cell as part of its 2025 pre-monsoon strategy. This cell includes officers and departmental heads responsible for coordinating preventive measures, emergency response, relief distribution, and rehabilitation operations. Transport Manager Kailas Gawde stated that the cell will act as the central command hub for all disaster-related activities, ensuring seamless coordination among civic departments.
To boost administrative efficiency and enhance civic service delivery, PMC has also rolled out a new zonal structure, introducing two zonal divisions:
Kharghar–Kalamboli–Navade Zone, overseen by Assistant Transport Manager Abhishek Paradkar.
Kamothe–Panvel Zone, supervised by Deputy Commissioner Ravikiran Ghodke.
These zonal heads will be responsible for daily civic operations and ensuring residents receive timely services, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The PMC has urged residents to stay alert during the monsoon and has issued emergency helpline numbers for any disaster-related assistance:
022-27461500
022-69365802
022-69365670
Civic authorities continue to appeal to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency protocols to ensure community safety during the monsoon season.
