11 May,2026 08:08 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Officials said the aim is to identify vulnerable structures and take preventive measures before heavy rainfall begins. Representational Pic/File
Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal on Monday directed all government departments and emergency agencies to remain alert and strengthen disaster preparedness ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra monsoon season, reported the PTI.
The instructions were issued during a monsoon preparedness review meeting held with various civic and government departments.
The collector instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to carry out safety audits of all dangerous bridges, culverts and dilapidated buildings across the district.
Officials said the aim is to identify vulnerable structures and take preventive measures before heavy rainfall begins.
The Water Resources Department has also been directed to conduct physical inspections of dams to ensure structural safety and operational readiness during the monsoon, the news agency reported.
Panchal stressed the need for a stronger disaster response system and asked officials to increase the number of trained disaster management volunteers across the district.
The volunteers will assist authorities in rescue and relief operations during emergencies such as flooding, landslides and building collapses, according to the PTI.
The collector directed the fire brigade, police and health departments to organise 'colour rehearsals' or safety drills in every taluka to test emergency response systems and mobility during disaster situations.
Officials said the drills will help departments assess preparedness levels and improve coordination between agencies.
During the meeting, Panchal also reviewed villages vulnerable to landslides and flood-prone locations in the district.
The officials said that the District Planning Committee would provide funds for the purchase of essential rescue and emergency response equipment.
Meanwhile, in response to complaints from citizens that dewatering pumps failed to operate in waterlogged areas last monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will now install IOT (Internet of Things)-based sensors on each of its 545 dewatering pumps. A control room will be set up at the BMC headquarters to monitor the pumps in real time.
Last year, only 110 of BMC's 515 pumps had IOT sensors. These were installed on a trial basis. This year, all pumps will be fixed with these sensors.
Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of devices connected to the internet that use embedded sensors to send and receive data in real time. They track key parameters, detect issues, relay information to a central dashboard, and can trigger automated actions, enabling a swift response. IoT enables faster, proactive intervention, ensuring critical systems continue running smoothly, especially during emergency situations.
