As the city braces for the monsoon, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a comprehensive inspection of drain cleaning operations across Mumbai, issuing strict warnings to municipal officials. He emphasized that no leniency will be shown to officers who neglect their responsibilities, especially in a task critical to the city’s flood management.
During the inspection, Shinde directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to complete all drain cleaning work by June 7. He also instructed that silt removed from drains must be transported to landfills within 48 hours to ensure timely disposal and prevent re-accumulation.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, former MP Rahul Shewale, MLA Tukaram Kate, former MLA Sada Sarvankar, Deputy Commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar, Kiran Dighavkar, Santosh Dhonde, and Chief Engineer of the Storm Water Drainage Department, Shridhar Chaudhary.
During the inspection, Shinde also visited the Kasarwadi Safai Karmachari Colony in Dadar, where he reviewed the Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana, reading rooms (Abhyasika), and other civic amenities.
As of now, 85% of work on major drains and 65% on minor drains has been completed. Shinde expressed confidence that the remaining work would be completed on schedule, given that 15 days still remain before the deadline.
He noted that the municipal corporation is coordinating with the railway administration to clear garbage from under railway culverts. Robotic systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being deployed to increase efficiency in these efforts.
To combat chronic waterlogging, 422 pumps have been installed at flood-prone spots across the city. Additionally, two large underground storage tanks and ten mini pumping stations have been made operational to manage rainwater during heavy showers.
At the Surya Nagar site, Shinde directed the installation of protective nets and recommended relocation of residents from high-risk zones each year to ensure safety during the monsoon.