Is Maharashtra Prepared for Monsoon Disasters?

Mumbai, May 21 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that the state is fully prepared to tackle any calamities that may occur during the monsoon season, emphasizing that all relevant agencies have made adequate arrangements for this.

He urged officials to prioritize the safeguarding of lives and property during this season, asserting that all administrative officers must remain in constant communication with the headquarters around the clock during any disaster. This statement was made during a review meeting concerning pre-monsoon readiness.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that disaster prevention is a collective responsibility, highlighting the necessity for swift responses during emergencies. Effective implementation of response procedures is crucial. He noted that Western Maharashtra is anticipated to experience 110 to 119 percent of normal rainfall this year. Given the forecast of heavy rainfall, both Sangli and Kolhapur Municipal Corporations must be thoroughly prepared. Additionally, all municipal corporations within the state should devise strategies to handle emergencies such as flash floods, and a reassessment of landslide-prone areas is essential.

“In light of recent incidents, landslides have occurred in previously unaffected areas. Immediate safety measures must be enacted at landslide sites, with the District Collector focusing on this issue. There are 249 identified landslide-prone locations in Mumbai. All pertinent agencies must act swiftly on this matter, and a simulation exercise for rescue operations should be conducted,” he directed.

CM Fadnavis mentioned that the administration has been engaged in disaster preparedness for many years, and continuous vigilance is necessary to prevent the recurrence of similar disasters.

He added that the Water Resources Department should ensure cooperation across states for the regulated release of water from reservoirs, which can mitigate flood risks. Moreover, essential supplies should be allocated to areas that may lose connectivity due to floods or landslides. Pregnant women in these regions should be relocated to safe facilities before any disaster strikes to avert mishaps. The Electricity Department must verify that all systems are functioning optimally, and updated maps of disaster-prone areas should be provided to the Air Force.

Fadnavis also instructed the administration to evacuate residents from hazardous buildings.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde proposed that all municipal corporations clean drainage systems and install pumps in areas susceptible to flooding. Nets should be placed on hillsides in landslide-prone regions of Mumbai, warning signs should be posted in hazardous locations, and police should restrict tourist access to dangerous sites.

The Army representatives announced the deployment of 38 units, alongside Chetak and Navy helicopters on standby, with a direct communication line established between the Navy and the BMC. Additionally, updates were provided by the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF, SDRF, Railways, Mumbai Port Trust, JNPT, Power Department, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and Mumbai Police regarding their preparations for the monsoon.