05 May,2026 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC to fast-track pre-monsoon desilting work. (Representational image)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday stepped up its pre-monsoon desilting operations across the western suburbs. As per the official statement, senior officials from the BMC directed the teams to accelerate work and ensure timely completion before the onset of the rainy season.
The official statement also noted that during an on-ground inspection on Tuesday, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs), Dr Vipin Sharma, reviewed the progress of desilting activities in key areas, including Kandivali, Borivali, and Dahisar. Sharma further emphasised the need to expedite the cleaning of major and minor drains and strictly adhere to the May 31 deadline.
The inspection covered several critical locations, such as Payal Hotel Junction on the Western Express Highway in Dahisar, the Dahisar River near River View Bridge, the Sewage Treatment Plant on Jaywant Salvi Marg, Mhatre Nala in R-Central Ward, Poisar River in R-South Ward, and Lalji Pada.
Highlighting the importance of desilting as a core component of monsoon preparedness, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sharma further instructed officials to ensure that all excavated silt is promptly removed and disposed of within the stipulated timeframe.
He also stressed that adequate precautions must be taken to prevent the silt from flowing back onto roads or re-entering water bodies.
Sharma further noted, "Despite some time remaining before the monsoon, the pace of work must be increased to ensure full preparedness."
Along with Sharma, several other public representatives and civic officials, including Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, ward committee chairpersons, corporators, and senior administrative officers, were also present.
The BMC undertakes annual desilting of drains to mitigate flooding risks during heavy rains, a recurring challenge in Mumbai's low-lying areas. With intensified efforts underway, the civic body aims to ensure smoother water drainage and minimise disruptions during the upcoming monsoon season.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to be designated as an Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA), along with nine other corporations across the state. The move will give the civic bodies direct control over disaster response within city limits and reduce dependence on district-level decision-making.
The proposal, cleared in principle, is awaiting final approval from the. If approved, Maharashtra will become the first state to establish UDMAs across multiple cities.
>> Municipal commissioners will lead disaster response as heads of UDMAs
>> Faster, localised decision-making during emergencies
>> Reduced reliance on district collectors for approvals
>> City-specific planning for risks such as flooding and heatwaves
At present, disaster response is handled by District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), headed by district collectors.
Currently, even city-level emergencies require coordination through district authorities.
Example:
>> Thane district covers multiple civic bodies
>> Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)
>> Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)
>> Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC)
>> This often slows response time during crises
