Mumbai monsoon preparations intensified by BMC, civic chief inspects desilting works across city

With the onset of Mumbai monsoon nearing, BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani assured that the remaining works would be completed swiftly as per the scheduled plan. Pic/BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its monsoon preparations in Mumbai and to review the ongoing works the chief chief Bhushan Gagrani visited several sites across the city, an official statement said on Thursday.

Gagrani directed the civic officials to dispose of silt extracted from nullahs (drains) within 48 hours at designated locations.

IN PHOTOS: Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai set to be shut for traffic

1 month agoPHOTO GALLERY

He also emphasised the necessity of installing ‘trash booms' at strategic points to prevent floating debris from clogging the drainage system, it said.

According to the statement, Gagrani visited the areas including sites including the racecourse nullah at worli, Nehru Science Centre nullah, and Dadar-Dharavi nullah and reviewed the progress of the pending works.

He also issued on-the-spot directives to officials.

The inspection was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drainage) Sridhar Chaudhary and other relevant officials.

Gagrani noted that Mumbai's stormwater drainage system is heavily reliant on its network of nullahs, making pre-monsoon desilting operations a critical annual activity, the statement said.

"This year, BMC has allocated Rs 235 crore for the desilting of both major and minor nullahs. As of today, nearly 30 per cent of the work has been completed," he stated, the official statement said.

With the onset of Mumbai monsoon nearing, Gagrani assured that the remaining works would be completed swiftly as per the scheduled plan.

Highlighting the importance of transparency, the civic chief mentioned that for the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to monitor the desilting process - from silt extraction to weighing, transportation, and disposal. All recorded footage is being analysed by the AI system to ensure proper oversight.

Citizens can access images and video clips of the ongoing operations via the BMC's dedicated website.

Gagrani appealed to citizens not to dispose of solid waste, especially plastic bags, bottles, and thermocol, into the drains, as these materials obstruct the flow of wastewater.

"Residents living near nullahs should ensure waste is disposed of in bins provided by the municipality. Responsible disposal can significantly contribute to the city's flood-prevention efforts," he said.