Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Reviews Monsoon Preparedness in Thane
Deputy Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra and the Guardian Minister of Thane District, Eknath Shinde, recently took charge to ensure that all relevant agencies are ready for the upcoming monsoon season. According to a report by PTI, Shinde directed these agencies to focus on public safety and complete necessary tasks such as removing dangerous hoardings and cleaning drains before the rains hit.
In a meeting held by the District Disaster Management Authority, Shinde stressed that the well-being of the common citizens is the topmost priority for the state government. His directives included cleaning drains, conducting structural audits, removing hazardous hoardings, quickly fixing potholes, and securing open manholes. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of coordination between the Railways and municipal corporations in the district to manage drainage effectively and ensure thorough tree pruning.
In light of the monsoon season, Shinde also highlighted the need to address issues in dilapidated schools, prepare temporary shelters, and create alternative plans for villages prone to flooding. The official release further mentioned the importance of preventing waterlogging in low-lying areas and ensuring that volunteer teams, including swimmers, are ready for action. Shinde also ordered that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Thane and Kalyan remain stationed in the district until September.
To gear up for the monsoon in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) identified 134 buildings as dilapidated this year, a decrease from previous years. Out of these structures, 57 have already been vacated, while 77 are still occupied. The BMC attributed the decline in numbers to more buildings being evacuated and demolished in recent years.
The survey conducted by the BMC for 2025 revealed that various wards in Mumbai have unsafe buildings categorized under C1, indicating that they are unfit for habitation and require immediate evacuation and demolition. The highest number of such structures were reported in H/West ward and P/South ward, with other wards like K/E, N, K/West, H/E, P/North, R/South, G/N, L, A, B, D, F/N, M/W, and S also having unsafe buildings.
In conclusion, the efforts led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and the BMC aim to ensure the safety of citizens during the monsoon season by taking proactive measures to address potential hazards and risks. As the monsoons approach, it is essential for all agencies and residents to work together to mitigate any potential disasters and ensure a smooth transition into the rainy season.
