Mumbai: BMC Launches 50-Day Desilting Drive Ahead of Monsoon

Mumbai: As part of its pre-monsoon preparedness, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an intensive 50-day desilting plan across the city, with a strict completion deadline of May 31, 2025. Civic chief and administrator Bhushan Gagrani has instructed officials to carry out a drain-wise and day-wise action plan, with a focus on the Mithi River and major stormwater drains in Mumbai’s city, eastern, and western suburbs.

Chairing a high-level meeting on April 11, Gagrani emphasized the importance of daily on-ground inspections by civic engineers. He directed them to personally monitor desilting work in their respective jurisdictions and maintain close coordination with Deputy and Assistant Commissioners.

“All officers must have thorough knowledge of the work happening in their areas. Plan ahead for monsoon-related challenges and ensure timely, high-quality execution,” Gagrani said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar and Deputy Commissioner (Infrastructure) Shashank Bhore. The discussions centered on ensuring transparency, efficiency, and readiness for the approaching monsoon.

Gagrani instructed that flood-prone areas be monitored within a 100-meter radius and thoroughly cleaned. Mobile pumps should be kept on standby, and dedicated staff must be assigned to pump stations to avoid breakdowns during heavy rainfall. Contractors repeatedly providing faulty pumps will face action, he warned.

The Commissioner also called for repeated cleaning of drains with a high volume of floating solid waste after May 15, and directed officials to identify and address causes of waste accumulation.

“Use the remaining time wisely. Complete smaller tasks swiftly so that resources can be focused on critical areas. Our ultimate goal is to prevent any loss of life this monsoon,” he added.

Officials were further instructed to maintain continuous coordination with other civic and state agencies for rapid response in case of flooding. All officers are expected to remain present at their posts during periods of predicted heavy rain.