Under fire, Mumbai Metro authority vows to take steps to prevent flooding this monsoon

The BMC recently identified 17 spots where flooding is likely owing to ongoing civil, railway and Metro works

After Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said the Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) can’t be held responsible for waterlogging near Metro sites, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has decided to take anti-flooding measures before June 1.

The BMC recently identified 17 spots where flooding is likely owing to ongoing civil, railway and Metro works.

The BMC recently identified 17 spots where flooding is likely owing to ongoing civil, railway and Metro works.

The agency has been criticised for allegedly not fixing broken sewage lines and stormwater drains. It on Friday said it was prepared for monsoon.

HT had on Friday reported that the BMC directed the Metro agency to fix by May 31 sewage lines and underground utilities damaged during the Metro-3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) work, failing which the latter could be penalised.

MMRCL will clean, desilt and divert stormwater drains, build sedimentation tank at low lying areas, and provide de-watering pumps and other necessary equipment, said an official.

Through its control room facility, it will address citizens’ grievances during heavy rains.

Some of the flood-prone spots identified by the BMC are Bandra-Kurla Complex, SEEPZ, Cuffe Parade, Churchgate railway station, Hutatma Chowk, Acharya Atre Chowk and Worli Naka.

Ashwini Bhide, managing director of MMRCL, said, “We are coordinating with the BMC. All our construction sites are professionally managed and precautions have been taken well in advance to ensure citizens’ safety during monsoon.”