The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified pre-monsoon flood prevention works across several waterlogging-prone locations in Mumbai’s L ward, with Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar directing officials to complete critical works by 31 May 2026.
During an inspection visit on Wednesday, 20 May, Bangar reviewed desilting operations, underground drain cleaning, flood gate installation and dewatering preparedness measures being carried out by BMC’s Storm Water Drainage Department as part of the city’s monsoon readiness programme.
At the low-lying Sakinaaka Metro Station area, Bangar inspected the cleaning of underground drains and culverts using suction machines to remove accumulated silt.
According to the BMC, rainwater accumulates in the area during the monsoon as floating debris and solid waste dumped into nearby drains block water flow and lead to flooding on roads.
Bangar directed officials to install iron mesh at the mouth of drains to prevent debris from entering culverts and instructed that sufficient manpower and machinery should remain operational during the monsoon period for continuous debris removal.
The civic body official said all ongoing works at the location must be completed by 31 May 2026.
Bangar also inspected flood prevention measures near the Indira Nagar Moon Furniture area on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road.
The BMC said flood prevention gates are already operational at the drain adjoining the road, while additional flood gates are being installed where the drain meets the Mithi River.
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Bangar directed officials to complete and operationalise the flood gates by 31 May and instructed immediate installation of lifting pumps for dewatering operations.
At the Ashok Leyland Culvert area in Kurla West, Bangar reviewed measures to address waterlogging caused by rising water levels in the Mithi River during heavy rainfall.
Bangar said a permanent flood mitigation solution should be found for the area.
Bangar instructed officials to submit a proposal for installation of flood prevention gates and directed that the work should be completed within eight months after the monsoon season.
Until then, lifting pumps should remain fully operational at the site, he said.
Bangar also inspected desilting work at the Sundar Baug-Sanjay Nagar drain and suggested launching public awareness efforts to discourage nearby residents from dumping waste into drains.
Assistant Commissioner of L Ward Dhanaji Herlekar, Deputy Chief Engineer (Eastern Suburbs) of the Storm Water Drainage Department Sanjay Ingale and other civic officials were present during the inspection.
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