MUMBAI: Congress’s Maharashtra Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday demanded a high-level probe into recent rain-related deaths across Maharashtra, raising the issue in the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Wadettiwar said at least 12 deaths were reported in Mumbai over the last two days due to open manholes, falling trees and a building collapse in Mankhurd. He questioned the city’s monsoon preparedness, arguing that the fatalities were entirely preventable. “Many deaths could have been avoided with timely pre-monsoon inspections of dilapidated buildings, proper tree trimming, secured manholes and better drainage management,” Mr. Wadettiwar said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the House that recent incidents, including wall collapses and landslides, were a consequence of extreme weather conditions rather than any lack of preparedness. Speaking in the Assembly, Mr. Fadnavis urged people to remain indoors in view of the weather forecast. “The government will give a detailed reply to the opposition’s demand for a thorough probe into the rain-related incidents and deaths in the state,” he said. Later in the day, both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature were adjourned following forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds across Mumbai and adjoining regions. Speaker Rahul Narwekar urged legislators and the public to cooperate with the administration as authorities stepped up efforts to deal with the worsening weather situation. Announcing the adjournment, Mr. Narwekar said the prevailing conditions required collective cooperation. He appealed to all members to remain vigilant and support the government’s response to the rain-related emergency. Mr. Fadnavis also chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Disaster Management Control Room to assess the evolving rain situation. He emphasised that all departments should exercise maximum caution over the next 48 hours with the objective of achieving “Zero Casualties”. The chief minister further instructed all departments to respond swiftly to rescue stranded citizens and ensure seamless coordination among disaster management agencies, the police and local authorities. He also directed officials to maintain close coordination during the period of heavy rainfall and ensure prompt action wherever required.
source: Deccan Chronicle
