Mumbai, June 13 (IANS) Ashish Shelar, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister in the Maharashtra government, on Saturday directed the Railways, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), BEST, District Collectorates, Metro authorities and other concerned agencies to prepare an integrated plan and work in close coordination while planning for flood situations during the monsoon season.

He was speaking at a meeting to review the desilting works and other pre-monsoon preparedness activities in railway areas across Mumbai.

Minister Shelar stated that in the unfortunate event of flood-like situations, an integrated emergency response plan should be prepared covering crowd management at railway stations, evacuation of passengers from overcrowded stations, easing traffic congestion on adjoining roads, and providing food and drinking water to stranded commuters.

He further directed that coordination be maintained between the CCTV surveillance systems, public announcement mechanisms and emergency control rooms of all concerned authorities.

The minister further instructed that structural audits should be conducted for pedestrian bridges within and outside railway stations, vehicular bridges and hoardings located in station precincts. An integrated deployment plan for pumps belonging to both the Railways and the BMC should also be prepared.

He also directed officials to prepare a detailed report regarding the rehabilitation of residents living in 24 dilapidated and dangerous buildings, as well as certain slum structures located within railway jurisdiction in and around Masjid Bunder and submit the report to the Government for further action.

During the meeting, Western Railway informed that a total of 15 micro-tunnels have been constructed beneath railway tracks between Churchgate and Virar to facilitate water drainage, of which four have been completed this year. The number of pumps deployed for dewatering has been increased to 126, while approximately 2,400 wagon-loads of silt have been removed, said a press release issued by the Minister’s office.

Similarly, Central Railway has also increased the number of pumps deployed to 220. Cleaning of 160 drains and gutters along its 350-kilometre railway network has been completed. CCTV cameras and rain gauges have been installed across both railway corridors.

Railway officials further informed that the deepening and widening of the Usha Nagar drain at Kanjurmarg and the Brahmanwadi drain at Kurla will significantly improve water discharge during heavy rains. Following presentations by both railway authorities, officials from the BMC and Fire Brigade also offered suggestions.

Representatives from both the Railways and the BMC noted that coordination between the two agencies has improved significantly compared to previous years, said the release.

–IANS

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