Though the monsoon is yet to gain momentum, the first spell of heavy rains which left many low-lying areas of the twin-city battling with waterlogging problems on Wednesday has yet again exposed Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s (MBMC) shoddy de-silting work to face the monsoon blues.
Waterlogging was reported from various parts of the twin-city including Bakery Lane, Munshi Compound, Krishna-Sthal, Hatkesh, Western Park and some areas in the proximity of the national highway. “It is a regular ordeal which we have to face every year. This time the first spell of rains has left our locality inundated, we are unsure of our fate ahead,” said L. Deepak, a resident of Bakery Lane in Bhayandar (west).
With tall claims of initiating measures to deal with water-logging and other seasonal problems, the civic administration had desperately tried to put up a brave front early this week by launching a photo-op during a cosmetic inspection drive prior to the monsoon, however, the promises seemed to be swept away early in the season.
As an annual pre-monsoon ritual, the MBMC awards multi-crore manual and mechanical excavation contractors on a daily and hourly basis. Although concerns had been raised over ample scope to exploit loopholes in the clock-based pricing structure, the quality of de-silting operations is now under the scanner.
Deputy municipal commissioner- Dr Sambhajji Panpatte remained unavailable for his comments by responding with a text message that he was not in a position to talk now. Meanwhile, a part of the roof of an old and rickety building in Bhayandar collapsed due to the heavy rains on Wednesday afternoon.
“ The incident was reported from the Sai Palace building in Bhayandar (east). Since the building had already been vacant, nobody was injured. The demolition wing is pulling down the structure.” said chief fire officer- Prakash Borade.
