Can WhatsApp tackle flooding during monsoon? Mumbai civic body seems to think so

Mumbai city news: The move is meant to address the lack of communication among officials, which many corporators have complained of

To prevent water logging woes during the monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to form a WhatsApp group comprising 20 officials and contractors in charge of the city’s pumping stations.

The group is expected to facilitate the timely spread of information and will record official messages sent between the stormwater department officials and pumping station operators. (HT File Photo)

The move is meant to address the lack of communication among officials, which many corporators have complained of.

There are six operational pumping stations in Mumbai. Two more have been proposed. Deputy chief engineer of the stormwater department, PP Khedkar said the WhatsApp group will ensure that the city’s 39 pumps are monitored and maintained during the rains.

Khedkar said the group will facilitate the timely spread of information and will record official messages sent between the stormwater department officials and pumping station operators.

Pumping stations at Lovegrove, Haji Ali, Cleveland, Britannia, Guzdarbandh and Irla can collectively pump more than 2 lakh litres of floodwater per second.