As part of its pre-monsoon preparedness, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commenced desilting work on the city’s major and minor drains from March 25, 2025. The BMC has started monitoring drain desilting operations in real time to ensure efficiency and transparency. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar has directed junior and assistant engineers to remain on-site full-time to oversee the work. The desilting process is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2025.
Bangar conducted an inspection of drain-cleaning operations across the eastern suburbs today, visiting key locations such as Mankhurd Drain, Deonar Drain, Laxmibag Drain, Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road culvert, and Bhandup's DAV College Drain. During the inspection, he noted significant solid waste accumulation, particularly plastic, that obstructs water flow and leads to waterlogging during heavy rains. To prevent this, he instructed the installation of high mesh barriers and floating trash booms at critical locations.
He also reviewed pending works related to Metro and railway infrastructure, urging authorities to coordinate with the municipal corporation and complete any obstructed drainage work before the monsoon. At Maharashtra Nagar Subway, a mini pumping station is set to be installed, and temporary pumps will be deployed until the project is completed.
At Bhandup Railway Station, Bangar pointed out that waterlogging occurred in the last monsoon due to a missing section of the stormwater drain. He instructed officials to link the railway and municipal stormwater drains to provide a temporary solution until the full drainage system is completed.
A computerized monitoring system has been set up to track the progress of desilting operations. Officials have been warned that no negligence will be tolerated, and further inspections will be conducted to ensure that all works are completed on time.
The inspection was attended by Alka Sasane (Assistant Commissioner, M East Ward), Bhaskar Kasgikar (Assistant Commissioner, S Ward), Sachdev Hardeep Singh (Deputy Chief Engineer, Stormwater Drainage Department), and other officials.