With the monsoon approaching, the H-West Ward officials are giving final touches to the Disaster Management Programme for Khar, Bandra and Santacruz. Since the monsoons are anticipated to arrive earlier than expected. The municipal administration will setup a control room by May 25. “Based on our experience, we have designated Khar Subway, Mirabaug Society, Railway Colony, Bazaar Road, Slaughter House Road and Jaibharat Society as flood-prone,” said a senior official from the H-West Ward office. He added, “In case it begins to flood in these areas, we will immediately rush a team of BMC officials and labourers to the spot.” The relief team will be mandated with tasks like clearing drains and uprooted trees among other jobs. Volunteers and Fire Brigade personnel will assist them. Municipal schools, between Bandra and Santacruz, have been shortlisted to serve as shelters in case of floods and emergencies. “If there are heavy rains, commuters at railway stations and bus depots will be informed about the shelters by public address system. The BEST has been asked to provide for reserve buses to ferry people to the municipal school shelters,” informed the senior BMC official. The stocks of preventives medicines and anti-epidemic drugs have been maintained. Fogging with the help of Pest Control officials has been conducted to prevent spread of diseases. The disaster management plan will be activated with the help of Police, Fire Brigade, Utility Services, Traffic Department, NGOs and volunteers. The H-West Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner will coordinate the entire effort. The police have been entrusted with the job of leading rescue operations, disposal of corpses, cordoning specific areas and patrolling. The traffic police have been given the job of maintaining and monitoring vehicular movement. Staff from Bhabha Municipal hospital will also be deputed provide treatment to injured persons. The H-West Ward office will also coordinate with public service utilities. A mock drill, involving all agencies will be carried out soon to check the effectiveness of the plan. manthan.mehta@ timesgroup.com
