To reduce instances of waterlogging this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to overhaul storm water drains at chronic flooding spots. However, a source from the BMC said the city is more likely to face waterlogging this year.
In various monthly review meetings, civic chief Ajoy Mehta had instructed officials to overhaul and increase the carrying capacity of various underground drains, mainly at Hindmata junction and near Deepak Talkies in Lower Parel, among other areas prone to flooding.
Pre-monsoon work at these locations have begun, said civic officials, adding that the work on laying the new 1,200mm-diameter drain at Hindmata junction has also been undertaken.
Besides, a drain in Lower Parel and Elphinstone, which has been non-functional for the past five years, has been cleaned. A new 600mm-diameter drain is being laid at Gavde chowk, near Deepak Talkies to prevent flooding in the area, said officials.
“We have also taken up work on drains in other areas, most of which are on minor roads,” said a civic official requesting anonymity.
However, with only 50% of the pre-monsoon work being completed so far, a waterlogging-free monsoon seems far-fetched, said a source from the civic body.
Only 18% of the work on desilting nullahs has been completed, while new drains are still being laid and construction of the new Britannia pumping station at Reay Road is still incomplete, said the source.
However, civic officials said the ambitious Britannia pumping station will be commissioned before this monsoon.
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