It is not about finding scapegoat, but working for betterment of city: RA Rajeev

While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been pointing fingers at the ongoing Metro construction work for possible flooding in the city during the upcoming monsoon, RA Rajeev, the Metropolitan Commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority (MMRDA) says: "It is not about finding a scapegoat, but working for the betterment of the city. It all depends on how much rainfall is received, whether there is high tide at that time or not. We all have to work in close coordination, and we are doing that to ensure minimum inconvenience."

Last week, the BMC had singled at 17 spots with high chances of flooding due to Metro work. However, the MMRDA claims otherwise.

You have worked with the BMC in the past. So, how would you react if the civic body blames Metro construction work for flooding in the city?

Even if all the agencies work in close coordination, there are chances that flooding may occur. It is not about finding a scapegoat, but working for the betterment of the city. The drainage system of the city is capable of handling rainfall of 50 mm per hour, but there have been instances when we have received rainfall of 200 to 300 mm per hour. In such situations you cannot blame anyone. You can only ensure all the authorities coordinate closely to ensure maximum convenience to the citizens.

What has MMRDA done at the Metro construction sites to avoid flooding?

Construction anywhere in the world and especially in India is a messy affair. For example, you start some work at your house, it is bound to mess up in a while. We have prioritised people's convenience and regulation of traffic ever since Metro construction work began. Also, potholes are a product of monsoon, and the onus is on us to ensure that enough road space is guaranteed after the barricading for smooth traffic. We further have to ensure desilting and cleaning of nullahs near construction sites is done properly. Manholes, if any, are not to be left uncovered. For us, the Western Express Highway is not an issue, but the Link Road is, where the road between DN Nagar and Malad needs to be surfaced evenly; we hope to do so before the monsoons.

What about drainage outlets near Metro construction sites? Last year there were allegations that rain water flow was obstructed due to Metro works.

This won't happen this year. No drainage outlet has been blocked due to Metro construction work at Link Road, nor will it be in. At Western Express Highway, the side drains have been cleaned up, as have been the culverts. Now it all depends on how much rainfall we receive this year, at what time of the day heavy rains occur, and whether there is any high tide during that time. I am working in sync with everyone, be it the municipal corporation or the traffic police, to ensure work is carried out smoothly. I also visited Metro construction sites on both WEH and Link Road to ensure the work is done properly.