Ensure local train services does not stop this monsoon: Devendra Fadnavis

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asked the railway officials to ensure that the suburban railway services in Mumbai are not stalled at any cost during heavy rains.

He was addressing the pre-monsoon review meeting of the state disaster management authority at Sahyadri Guest House on Thursday. Officials from Indian Navy, coast guard, India Meteorological Department and state government were present for the meeting.

Minister of state for rehabilitation Dilip Kamble, chief secretary Swadheen Kshatriya, officials from Army, Navy and Air Force, director general of police Pravin Dikshit, Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, railway general managers SK Sood, GC Agrawal and Sanjay Gupta were also present for the meeting.

After reviewing early warning systems and routine standard operating procedures for various departments and agencies, Fadnavis asked the railway officials that the suburban local train service should not come to a standstill at any cost due to heavy rains this Monsoon.

"During the high tide days all the agencies should provide early warnings with better coordination and there should be preparedness with respect to flooding and possible evacuation of residents. The sensitive spots wry to waterlogging have to be given due attention," said Fadnavis. He also directed the BMC officials to ensure cleaning of nullahs well before the arrival of Monsoon.

Chief secretary Kshatriya has asked the officials to ensure cleaning of nullahs to prevent recurrence of flood in the Mithi river and adjoining areas.