Mumbai: The torrential rains on July 8 wreaked havoc in Mumbai, leading to severe waterlogging and flooding across various parts of the city. In response, the Watchdog Foundation, a prominent citizens’ group, is demanding compensation from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the widespread disruption and damage caused.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the foundation expressed profound dissatisfaction with BMC’s claims of being “rain ready.” The group cited significant flooding in several areas, which contradicted the civic body’s assertions. “The flooding experienced in areas such as Marol, which rarely faces such issues, saw water levels rise to four feet, damaging numerous vehicles and affecting residential premises and shops,” stated the letter. Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, representing the Watchdog Foundation, criticised the inadequacy of the measures taken despite direct oversight by the Chief Minister and inspections by BJP leader Ashish Shelar. “The administration’s failure to effectively prepare for the monsoon season is unacceptable and has caused undue hardship to the residents of our city,” Pimenta remarked.
The citizens’ group is calling for the resignation of officials who provided false assurances of monsoon preparedness. “We demand the immediate sacking of the concerned officials who have proven to be ineffective. Their failure to ensure proper preparedness and response to the monsoon rains has highlighted a significant lapse in civic governance. We also call for a complete overhaul of the BMC administration. The declining standards of civic governance are alarming, and comprehensive reform is necessary to restore efficiency and accountability,” the letter continued. Highlighting the importance of natural water bodies, a resident emphasised the need to secure and revitalise lakes and ponds. “We demand the revival of all lakes and ponds and the removal of encroachments from riverbanks. These natural resources are vital to managing excess rainwater and preventing future flooding. Their restoration is essential to enhancing our city’s resilience against such natural events,” the resident asserted.
The Watchdog Foundation also demanded immediate compensation for all individuals who suffered damages due to the flooding, including the collapse of homes and the felling of trees. They urged the authorities to address the grievances of the affected citizens and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The situation calls for urgent action from the BMC and state government to address the lapses in monsoon preparedness and to ensure the safety and well-being of Mumbai’s residents. The citizens’ demand for accountability and compensation reflects the broader need for effective governance and sustainable urban planning in the face of recurring natural calamities.
