Mumbai: As summer draws to an end and rain clouds gather, there is hectic activity across the city to conclude many pre-monsoon work and get set for the rainy days.
Several infrastructural projects going on in the city have been asked by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to come to a safe stage. Work on paving roads with concrete and asphalt, filling up potholes, clearing of drains and removing debris are all under way. But it is doubtful if the BMC can meet the May 30 deadline to complete its pre-monsoon work as it is common to see roads and pavements dug up and garbage floating in nullahs (water courses that have turned into drains). The state government has also asked utilities laying cables and carrying out repairs by digging up roads to wind up their work by the month-end. This includes energy and gas providing companies as well as government bodies.
The Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority has prepared a list of 24 dilapidated buildings, including the heritage Esplanade Mansion, in the island city and has asked its residents to move to its transit accommodation.
Low-lying areas
The BMC has already identified around 200 low-lying areas in the suburbs where diesel-pumping sets will be fitted to pump out water into nullahs and drains in case of heavy rains. Many central Mumbai spots like Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel and Matunga which have been facing waterlogging problems for decades will also be covered. Also included is Milan subway in Santacruz which has a reputation for being perpetually flooded during the rains.
Both Central and Western Railway are clearing clogged nullahs and drains that run along the suburban lines, apart from getting train compartments in better shape.
