Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde Inspects Drain Cleaning and Railway Culvert Works in Eastern Suburbs
Mumbai, May 18: BMC Chairman of the Standing Committee Prabhakar shinde has directed civic and railway authorities to work in close coordination to prevent waterlogging and flooding in Mumbai during the upcoming monsoon season.
During an inspection visit to ongoing drain-cleaning and railway culvert maintenance works in the eastern suburbs on Sunday Shinde instructed officials to repair culvert walls, widen culvert openings and install strong iron grills to stop garbage from entering drains along with rainwater from nearby residential areas.
He emphasized that all railway culverts should be cleaned before the monsoon to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and prevent water accumulation near railway tracks and stations. He said coordinated efforts between the BMC and railway administration are essential to keep Mumbai flood-free during heavy rains.
As part of the city’s pre-monsoon preparations, the BMC is carrying out large-scale desilting and drain-cleaning operations across Mumbai. Shinde reviewed several ongoing projects, including drain desilting, culvert cleaning, and water pumping arrangements.
The inspection covered key locations in the eastern suburbs, including culverts and drains in Mulund (East), Kanjurmarg (West), Ghatkopar (East), and Vidyavihar (East). Local corporators, senior BMC engineers, and Central Railway officials were present during the visit.
During the inspection of the Nanepada drain culvert in the Mulund railway yard, officials found that garbage from nearby residential settlements was directly flowing into the drain, increasing the risk of blockage. Shinde directed railway authorities to install strong iron mesh barriers at the inlet points to stop waste from entering the drainage system.
He said the current drain-cleaning work is satisfactory but instructed officials to speed up the remaining work and complete it within the scheduled timeline to avoid waterlogging during the monsoon.
He also directed railway authorities to repair damaged culvert walls, including those near Toyo Engineering Company in Kanjurmarg, and ensure that railway cables are kept at a sufficient height so floating garbage does not get stuck in them.
He stressed that with proper coordination and timely completion of drainage works, Mumbai can remain free from flooding and severe waterlogging this monsoon season.
