Opposition asks CM to tackle deluge on war footing

Nagpur: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadanavis on Tuesday in the state assembly assured concerned legislators while appreciating that the worsening water-logging, traffic congestion and slow movement of suburban trains, would be tackled effectively and relief would be provided.

Replying to concerns of Opposition leader Radha-krishna Vikhe-Patil and group leader Ajit Pawar (NCP) in the Lower House, Mr Fadnavis said that the national disaster relief force (NDRF), along with Mumbai civic authorities were already engaged in pumping out water. The Indian Navy has been kept on standby and 11 major water-logging areas have been identified as incessant rains continued to lash the financial capital. He said that due to high tide the problem is likely to escalate, but precautions have been taken and the entire civic machinery was on the streets.

Earlier in the house, Opposition leader Radha-krishna Vikhe-Patil and group leader Ajit Pawar (NCP) voiced their concerns over the water-logging in many areas, traffic congestion and slow movement of local trains and their cancellations.

Mr Patil demanded that the chief minister should go live on TV channels to assure Mumbaikars of relief. He asked Mr Fadnavis to direct concerned MLAs and MLCs to immediately rush to Mumbai and supe-rvise relief and pum-ping operations.

Mr Vikhe-Patil informed the Assembly that Mumbai recorded about 300mm rainfall in the last 24 hours and the Colaba Meteorological Office has  warned of heavier rains.