On Wednesday, the Met department had declared the onset of south-west monsoon over Kerala, a day later than expected. It also predicted that it will cover the entire country by July 15.
The streak of sweltering summer broken, Mumbai woke up to an overcast sky and heavy pre-monsoon showers on Saturday morning. Even as many delighted Mumbaikars took to social networking sites, the Mumbai division of the Meteorological Department said full-fledged rains were yet to hit the city.
On Wednesday, the Met department had declared the onset of south-west monsoon over Kerala, a day later than expected. It also predicted that it will cover the entire country by July 15.
Meanwhile, as heavy showers pummeled the island city, several parts of the metro witnessed water-logging and tree collapses. The downpour led to delay in train services on all three lines – Central Main, Harbour line and Western line. Slow-moving traffic was also reported across various suburban areas, which saw localised water blockages.
According to a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) disaster management unit official, water-logging was seen in five areas – Kurla (Bael-Bazaar), Jogeshwari, Andheri, Matunga and Sion. Water-logging was also reported atop three flyovers – JJ, Matunga (E) and Bandra. Across 18 locations, including in south Mumbai and western suburbs, de-watering pumps had to be activated to flush out the water from localities and roads.
The situation raised several questions on Shiv Sena-led BMC's claims of rain readiness, after hundreds of crores were spent on water pumping stations and improvement of infrastructure. "De-watering pumps were started to draw logged rainwater out of the city space. These incidents were minor and were swiftly dealt with," said the officer.
Plastic behind water-logging
Plastic bags for eatables and other products were blamed for water blockage atop three flyovers in the city – JJ Marg, Matunga (E) and Bandra flyovers.
According to the BMC, these plastic products had choked the drain pipes on the flyover, preventing rainwater to seep down. "The situation was brought to our notice by the traffic police constables patrolling near these flyovers. We immediately sent teams to these locations and the plastic garbage was removed," said a civic officer.
BMC on the back foot
The pre-monsoon showers washed away the tall claims made by the civic body. Several low-lying areas witnessed overflowing drains and clogged rainwater, highlighting the incomplete pre-monsoon work of the civic body.
When questioned, the BMC officials, however, defended their position. "There was no major water-logging anywhere, just minor local blocks. Water pumps had to be pressed into operation as the clogged rainwater was not flowing out by itself. Such incidents will be witnessed for another two to three spells across Mumbai, as at times garbage blocks drain-mouths," said chief engineer of Storm Water Drains (SWD) department, Laxman Vhatkar.
He added that several areas of the city, notoriously famous for been water-logging prone, did not experience any blockage. "The Hindmata junction was operational and will remain so across the season due to the new pumping station installed. No seawater will fill any drain in and around that area," he claimed.
30 trees collapse, six short-circuits
The pre-monsoon showers, which were coupled by strong winds, caused 30 trees to uproot across Mumbai. As per a report, a maximum of 13 trees fell in the western suburban region, followed by 10 in south Mumbai and 7 in parts of the eastern region.
"Also, there were six to seven incidents of huge branches falling on roads and footpaths. However, no one was injured, nor was there any report of damage to the property," said a civic officer.
Rains also caused six short-circuit incidents – five in south Mumbai and one in western suburban region. There were no reports of any casualties in these accidents. Parts of Matunga (labour camp), Dharavi and Sion (T-junction) also reported temporary power failure, which was fixed within 15-20 minutes.
For the next 24 hours, the weather office has forecast light rain coupled with thundersquall over the city and suburban regions. Isolated spells of light showers have also been predicted around Mumbai, in regions of Thane, Navi Mumbai and Raigad.
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