Mumbai: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its latest report has said that the disaster management unit (DMU) of the MCGM has major deficiencies in the existing system for flood risk management in the MCGM area. The CAG has given a list of deficiencies in the disaster management unit of MCGM.
The report tabled Tuesday in the Assembly session clearly mentioned that the DMU of the MCGM has major deficiencies in the existing system for management of flood risk in the MCGM area.
According to the CAG, due to flat gradients, the drains are affected by tides. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report on general and social sector has also observed that drains in Mumbai are adequate only to handle 25 mm rainfall per hour and that there are numerous obstructions in the larger drains due to siphons and other utility services.
The report also stated that floodgates have been provided in only three of the 45 outfalls in the drains. “Storm water drains discharge rainwater directly by gravity through outfalls as floodgates have been provided in only three of the 45 outfalls. The outfalls discharge below mean sea level and tidal control is possible only at these three locations,” the report said.
The report also listed poor workmanship and lack of attention to repairs when the drains are punctured by utility service providers, and poor structural conditions as other deficiencies.
The CAG also listed out measures taken up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to tackle flooding, which is chronic and recurrent problem in Mumbai during monsoon season from June to September, particularly when spells of intense rainfall coincide with a high tide.
“Disaster Management Unit of the BMC prepares Flood Preparedness Guidelines every year. Ward-wise details of frequent flood prone areas, open places, emergency assembly points, hospitals, food suppliers, fire stations, volunteers and NGOs etc were incorporated in the annual flood preparedness guidelines of MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai),” it said.
Mumbai experienced very heavy rainfall in the last two to three days, which once again exposed the civic body’s preparations for the monsoon season. Several areas, historically known to face severe waterlogging, drowned under heavy spell of rainfall that hit Mumbai and adjoining areas.
