Monsoon preparedness requires proactive planning, not last-minute rush

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In view of the upcoming monsoon season, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has directed the authorities and agencies involved in ongoing development work in the city to complete all the projects by May 20. He emphasised that the municipal officers concerned must coordinate with the other agencies to ensure timely completion of work. He warned that no blame-game would be tolerated if a disaster is reported during monsoon. The civic chief also directed all the departments to ensure that the Disaster Management Control Room is operational 24X7 during monsoon.

There are several takeaways here, which are key to our monsoon preparedness. A timeline has been spelt out so there is a sense of clarity about the entire road works scenario.

There has been an emphasis on coordination which is extremely important. We need to end the familiar and frustrating blame game and jugglery when it comes to holding the relevant agency accountable for any kind of monsoon-related disaster. With all relevant authorities working in close co-ordination, there is a smoothness and synergy in the work, one that ensures less red tape, expediting matters and cut out the rigmarole and waiting for some agency or the other, to a great extent.

The decision makers have also ordered that all unnecessary barricades be removed at the earliest, and the debris too has to be removed. We see this as seminal to the monsoon scenario.

Barricades are a huge problem and restrict mobility. Sometimes they are in place days after the work has been completed. Many times, they are stacked on footpaths, taking away precious space from pavements which have already been compromised through encroachment. Debris is a definite health hazard.

Monsoon preparedness involves a raft of measures, many outlined here and all those in charge working in tandem to be truly effective.