Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalkar Orders 24/7 Monsoon Vigilance After Field Inspection
On July 1, Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalkar conducted a high-level field inspection of several low-lying, flood-prone areas in Thane, including the Pedhya Maruti area, Masunda Lake, Vandana ST Depot, Chikhalwadi, Bhanjewadi, and the Gurudwara area. Accompanied by Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) officials and Metro authorities, the Mayor reviewed flood mitigation measures and ordered the administration to remain on high alert to minimise public inconvenience during heavy downpours.
The joint inspection focused on assessing critical hotspots that are chronically vulnerable to monsoon waterlogging. To ensure rapid water evacuation in these areas, high-capacity dewatering pumps ranging from 5 HP to 32 HP have been strategically deployed.
During her visit to Chikhalwadi, Mayor Pimpalkar noted a malfunctioning pump and ordered its immediate replacement to protect nearby residential properties from flooding. She also directed Metro authorities near the Gurudwara area to swiftly drain stagnant water from their construction trenches to prevent accumulation.
Furthermore, the Mayor instructed frontline teams to carry out recurrent desilting of stormwater drains and cross-culverts. This measure is intended to increase the water conveyance capacity of the city's drainage system. Mayor Pimpalkar emphasised that all dewatering operations must be dynamically coordinated with real-time weather warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local high-tide schedules.
Following the field visits, Mayor Pimpalkar inspected the 24/7 Disaster Management Control Room at the TMC headquarters. She issued strict directions to the staff, stating that they must not only log incoming distress calls from citizens but also systematically track and verify the resolution of every reported grievance.
The inspection panel for this high-level visit included Shiv Sena Group Leader Pawan Kadam, Corporator Mrunal Pendse, and Deputy Commissioners G.G. Godepure and Deepak Zinjad. Executive engineers and health officers were also present during the review.
