Shinde reviewed the situation in Thane and other rain-affected districts, holding discussions with disaster management officials to assess the preparedness
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. File Pic
As heavy rains continue to batter several parts of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the state administration to remain on high alert and ensure swift implementation of relief and rescue measures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted intense rainfall in the coming hours, particularly across Mumbai, Konkan, and Western Maharashtra.
Shinde reviewed the situation in Thane and other rain-affected districts, holding discussions with disaster management officials to assess the preparedness. He instructed local authorities to take proactive steps to prevent disruption to daily life and to minimize the risk of casualties or property damage.
“All departments should be on standby, and relief operations must be carried out promptly wherever required,” Shinde said, emphasising the need for special attention to low-lying and flood-prone areas, waterlogged roads, vulnerable bridges, and power lines.
He also raised concerns over the condition of dilapidated buildings and stressed the importance of ensuring smooth suburban rail services in regions like Mumbai and Thane, which are particularly prone to commuter inconvenience during monsoon downpours.
Shinde appealed to citizens to exercise caution and follow weather advisories. “Unless absolutely necessary, people should avoid stepping out. Those residing in low-lying areas must remain alert. While the administration is prepared to assist, public cooperation is equally important,” he said.
According to reports, the districts witnessing the heaviest rainfall include Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, and Nashik.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured that the state government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and that all necessary safety protocols and measures are in place.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Baramati tehsil in Pune district on Monday to take stock of the rains, which he said were "unprecedented" for May.
Heavy rains lashed Baramati, Indapur and Daunda tehsils on Sunday, prompting the National Disaster Response Force to deploy two specialised teams at the urgent request of the district collector.
The May rain recorded in the three tehsils is unprecedented in the last 50 years, Pawar said while carrying out an inspection of affected areas with Collector Jitendra Dudi.
"The average rainfall of these three tehsils was around 14 inches for the entire monsoon season but yesterday, in Shetfalgadhe in Indapur tehsil, 13 inches of rainfall was recorded in a few hours. The havoc was due to such heavy rains and then a breach at the Nira canal near Nimtek in Baramati tehsil. The IMD has issued a red alert for this region on May 28," said Pawar.
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