Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a high-level probe into the Malad wall collapse which killed 21 people. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also been asked to provide additional financial aid of Rs 5 lakh, he said.
Mr Fadnavis said that the deluge in Mumbai Monday night occurred due to “unprecedented rainfall in just four to five hours”. It was the third highest rainfall in such a short span of time after 1974 and 2005, he added.
“In Mumbai, the drainage system can handle maximum rainfall of 150 mm in 24 hours. However, it rained nearly 175 to 400 mm in just four to five hours, which put severe strain on the drainage system,” said Mr Fadnavis.
The chief minister emphasised on the need for a time-bound policy to clean the nullahs (drains) to prevent flooding in the city. He said there was need to determine the beginning and completion of de-silting works in the city.
“I have directed the BMC not to compromise when it comes to removing people from illegal constructions on nullahs. People are not ready to shift to alternate accommodation. Many a times, MLAs also approach me requesting going slow on the anti-encroachment drive. But we now have to be strict while removing these encroachments from the nullahs,” Mr Fadnavis said.
