10 April,2026 07:06 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
The civic officials have been instructed to ensure that silt removed from drains is not left on roadsides and is cleared immediately. Pic/TMC
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Friday began its monsoon preparations and kicked off a massive drain cleaning drive in city.
According to an official statement, the civic body has started its annual drain cleaning drive from the Mumbra area as part of preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.
The initiative was launched at Amrit Nagar drain in Ward No. 32 by Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar in the presence of Opposition Leader Ashraf Shanu Pathan and local representatives.
Pimpalolkar directed officials to ensure that drain cleaning work across the city is completed by the end of May. The administration has been asked to plan efficiently to avoid waterlogging during the monsoon, the officials said.
They noted that, unlike previous years, the work has begun early in April to allow timely completion.
The civic officials have been instructed to ensure that silt removed from drains is not left on roadsides and is cleared immediately. Civic teams have also been asked to closely monitor the work in each ward, the statement said.
The Thane Mayor urged residents not to dump waste into open drains, stressing the importance of public cooperation.
Alongside the drain cleaning, a cleanliness campaign was carried out in the area. Roads were washed, and awareness programmes were organised to promote segregation of wet and dry waste.
A street play was also performed to educate residents about proper waste management.
Several civic officials, sanitation staff and local residents participated in the programme.
The officials expressed confidence that the early start would help complete the work smoothly before the monsoon arrives.
An official statement said that a large-scale cleanliness campaign is underway in Thane as part of efforts to improve sanitation across the city.
It said that the campaign is being carried out under the vision of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with leadership of Pimpalolkar and under the guidance from Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao.
The local representatives are also extending their support in the drive, the officials said.
