Complete Desilting By June 7 Or Face Action, Eknath Shinde Warns BMC As Mumbai Gears Up For Monsoon

SOURCE ; NEW18

Last Updated:May 24, 2025, 10:19 IST

So far, 85 per cent work on major drains and 65 per cent on minor drains has been completed, the deputy CM said, adding that the remaining work would be done in the next 15 days

Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to complete all nullah [drain] cleaning works across Mumbai city and suburbs by June 7, warning that action will be taken against officials who fail to meet the deadline or show negligence.

During an inspection drive on Thursday, Shinde reviewed the progress of pre-monsoon desilting at multiple locations, including Ushanagar and Usha Complex in Bhandup, Nehru Nagar nullah in Wadala, and Dharavi T-junction in Dadar.

Speaking with media after the inspection, Shinde acknowledged that although the monsoon seems to have arrived early this year, the work must still be completed within the given timeframe. He was accompanied by principal secretary Navin Sona, additional municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar, former MP Rahul Shewale, MLA Tukaram Kate, ex-MLA Sada Sarvankar, and senior civic officials.

So far, 85 per cent work on major drains and 65 per cent on minor drains has been completed, said Shinde. He expressed confidence that the remaining work would be done in the next 15 days. He also instructed that all silt removed from drains must be cleared within 48 hours.

The deputy CM emphasised the importance of coordination between BMC and railway authorities, especially in cleaning culverts beneath railway tracks, where AI-driven robots are being deployed. BMC has identified waterlogging-prone zones and installed 422 pumps, along with two holding ponds and 10 mini pumping stations to mitigate flooding.

Mumbai’s annual struggle with waterlogging is a persistent civic challenge. Even moderate rainfall often leads to flooding in low-lying areas such as Hindmata, Sion, and Andheri Subway, disrupting traffic, halting train services, and affecting daily life for lakhs of residents. Encroached drainage lines, unplanned urban expansion, and delays in nullah desilting have worsened the situation over the years. The city’s 100+ year-old drainage system also remains under immense pressure, especially during high tides and heavy downpours. Citizens have long demanded timely and transparent action from the authorities to avoid repeat episodes of flood-like conditions.

Shinde also visited Suryanagar in Vikhroli, a landslide-prone area, and directed the civic body to install protective nets and shift vulnerable families to safer places. Given past accidents in the area, he stressed on pre-emptive safety measures.

At Kasarbawdi in Dadar, a civic staff housing colony, Shinde inspected facilities like the Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana (clinic), study centers, and recent local upgrades.

Reiterating the urgency of monsoon preparedness, Shinde made it clear that non-performance would not be tolerated. “People’s safety is non-negotiable,” he said, urging officials to treat the task as a top priority.

First Published:

May 24, 2025, 10:19 IST