President A P J Abdul Kalam today lauded the Maharashtra government in tackling the aftermath of July 26 deluge in the city, particularly in controlling the water-borne diseases. Complimenting the state government for handling the post-flood situation in the metropolis, the president, however, urged the government to prepare a 25-year master plan for the city's drainage and sewerage systems, Relief and Rehabiliation Minister Patang Rao Kadam told reporters here. Briefing the media on the deliberations at the meeting Kalam held with the Chief Minister along with his ministerial colleagues and officials of the state government, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authroity (MMRDA), Kadam said the president asked the government to study the Chicago plan before finalising the master plan for the city. The minister said the president assured the state government that funds would not be a problem and the centre will provide all the necessary assistance in implementing the plan. The Maharashtra government has already sought a central assistance of Rs 3,900 Crore for upgrading the city drainage and sewerage system, water management and slum dwellers' rehabilitation. Kadam said the president asked the state officials to keep in focus gradiant of various rivers in the city while preparing the plan. Chief Secretary R M Prem Kumar, during a 90-minute presentation to the president, explained various measures taken in handling the situation and what the state government proposes to do in tackling such natural disasters in the future.
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