Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Chief Dr Kailas Shinde Directs Pre-Monsoon Preparations To Ensure City Readiness By May 15
Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed all departments and related agencies to complete monsoon-preparedness work by May 15, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are essential to ensure the city remains functional and safe during the rainy season.
The directive was issued during a high-level City Disaster Management Committee meeting chaired by Dr. Shinde, where he reviewed the ongoing work related to road repairs, drainage cleaning, sewer maintenance, culvert repairs, and footpath improvements.
“All authorities must complete their pre-monsoon work on time. Citizens must not suffer due to lack of preparedness. I will personally inspect the progress,” Dr. Shinde warned.
The meeting, held at NMMC headquarters, included top officials from NMMC departments, CIDCO, MIDC, MMRDA, PWD, APMC, Railways, police, MPCB, and utility services. Dr. Shinde stressed the need for seamless coordination between agencies to address flood-prone areas, risky infrastructure, and health-related risks ahead of the monsoon.
“No authority should work in silos. Only a coordinated effort can ensure a smooth monsoon season,” he added.
Dr. Shinde instructed that drain and sewer cleaning must be completed swiftly and the sludge removed within one to two days after desilting. He directed municipal and MIDC field officers to conduct joint inspections of landslide-prone areas and relocate residents if necessary, especially in localities like Digha’s Ilthanpada.
He emphasized the importance of relocating slums situated in natural stormwater pathways to avoid blockages and flooding. He also declared that no new road excavation work will be permitted without strong justification and that all ongoing works must be completed and properly restored by May 15.
The Commissioner stated that buildings classified as dangerous must be assessed and residents should be relocated to safer areas, with particular attention to structures in gaothan zones. He instructed the relevant departments to begin trimming hazardous tree branches and ensure quick removal of fallen branches during the monsoon season.
Dr. Shinde ordered that pumping machines and manpower be made available at all flood-prone locations to manage waterlogging efficiently during high tides and heavy rainfall.
He further directed utility service providers to repair broken substation doors, exposed DP boxes, and damaged cables urgently, while also focusing on maintaining cleanliness around large transformers. Agencies like BEST, MSEB, and Mahanagar Gas Ltd. were advised to complete all safety measures before the rains.
Recalling last year’s hoarding collapse incident in Ghatkopar, Dr. Shinde mandated structural audits of all hoardings in each department’s jurisdiction. He called for the immediate removal of all unauthorized hoardings. “We cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. Every hoarding must be checked, and illegal ones removed without delay,” he said.
The Commissioner directed the establishment of 24x7 control rooms at the municipal headquarters, divisional offices, and fire stations with adequate staffing and equipment. He instructed each division to identify temporary shelter locations in advance, where food and essential supplies can be made available to citizens in emergency situations.
The Health Department was asked to initiate preventive measures against the spread of vector-borne and waterborne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Dr. Shinde emphasized the need to monitor water purity, ensure an adequate stock of essential medicines, and increase the number of water quality samples tested during the season.
He also called on the education and transport departments to take necessary precautions and stay prepared for the monsoon. “Disaster prevention begins with planning. If a crisis arises, our goal should be to minimize the damage through timely action,” said Dr. Shinde.
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