Mumbai, May 23: The Maharashtra Government conducted a comprehensive review of the state’s disaster response and monsoon preparedness measures ahead of the rainy season. During the meeting, Director of the State Disaster Management Authority Dr. Bhalchandra Chavan gave a detailed presentation on emergency preparedness and coordination mechanisms.
The state administration informed that coordination is being strengthened with the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to tackle any emergency situation during the monsoon season. The Western Naval Command has kept large and small vessels, helicopters and interceptor crafts ready for deployment, while the Air Force has prepared air ambulance and air cargo services for emergency operations.
At present, 10 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are active across Maharashtra, and approval has also been granted for two additional teams to enhance disaster response capacity.
In Mumbai, 43 major pumping stations have been activated to prevent waterlogging and flooding in vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall. A smart pump monitoring system has also been introduced to improve real-time monitoring and response. Authorities further stated that train speeds on railway routes in the Konkan and Ghat sections will be regulated during heavy rains to ensure passenger safety.
The state government has also reserved 3,000 hospital beds for emergency medical treatment during disasters, while disaster management control rooms will remain operational round the clock on a 24×7 basis.
Review of District-Level Monsoon Preparedness
Divisional Commissioners from Konkan, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions presented updates on district-level monsoon preparedness measures.
Officials informed that 939 villages in the Konkan region have been identified as landslide-prone, and special preventive measures are being implemented to avoid potential disasters. Based on previous flood experiences in the Savitri and Vashishti rivers, desilting work has been carried out in riverbeds to reduce flood risks.
The administration is also taking special precautions to prevent accidents on the Mumbai-Goa Highway and other major national highways during the monsoon season. Additional safety arrangements have been made at popular monsoon tourism destinations considering the possibility of rain-related incidents.
In tribal and remote regions such as Nandurbar and Melghat, authorities have prepared special contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during the rainy season.
