During a recent inspection tour across various spots in Mumbai, Eknath Shinde gave a firm warning on Friday that officials who drag their feet or overlook important tasks will face strict consequences.
Eknath Shinde took charge on Friday to oversee the progress of ongoing drain cleaning operations in Mumbai. The inspection took him to different areas in the city where the drain cleaning work is underway. Alongside him were top BMC officials who were on site during the deputy CM’s visit.
Shinde emphasized the urgency of completing all drain cleaning work in Mumbai and its suburbs by June 7, 2025, in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season. He visited locations like Usha Nagar in Bhandup, Nehru Nagar Nalla in Wadala, and near T Junction in Dharavi, warning officials against any delays or negligence in the crucial work.
He made it clear that officials who fail to meet the deadlines or show negligence in their duties will face severe repercussions. Additionally, Shinde instructed that all silt removed from drains must be disposed of at dumping grounds within 48 hours.
Despite the early arrival of rains this year, Shinde expressed confidence that all drain cleaning activities would be completed on time. Currently, 85 percent of major drains and 65 percent of minor drains have been cleaned, leaving 15 days to finish the remaining tasks.
In a first for Mumbai, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and robots are being utilized in the drain cleaning operations. Robots are being deployed to clear waste from under railway culverts, while AI is assisting in monitoring and managing the cleaning process.
The BMC has already installed 422 water pumps at flood-prone locations, set up two storage tanks, and activated ten mini pumping stations to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season.
During the inspection, Shinde was accompanied by former MLA Sada Sarvankar, MLA Tukaram Kate, former MP Rahul Shewale, Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, and senior BMC officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. Shinde also visited landslide-prone areas like Surya Nagar in Vikhroli, directing authorities to take necessary precautions and relocate residents to safer places. He also reviewed civic facilities in Kasarwadi in Dadar, including the Hinduhridaysaat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana, study rooms, and housing for sanitation workers.
So, that’s the latest scoop on the ongoing drain cleaning activities in Mumbai. Stay tuned for more updates and watch this space for exciting news!
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