Notwithstanding the nationwide lockdown, the Maharashtra government has decided to go ahead with its monsoon preparedness for Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA), the body responsible for the upkeep of highways, has even identified five major weak spots that need immediate rectification.
“The work was halted after enforcement of the lockdown but we have resumed it and if all goes well, then we will be able to complete the task within a month,” said MMRDA Engineer Shyam Gangrude.
Maharashtra has the highest number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 among other Indian states with Mumbai standing out as the epicentre of the infection in the state. The MMRDA, however, says that each worker assigned with repair work is being looked after.
“There is no doubt that in these times, getting this work done is a challenge and so we have taken all the necessary precautions. The workers are subjected to thermal screening and all the necessary protective gear has been provided to them,” Shyam Gangrude told India Today.
The flyover near the Mumbai Airport traffic signal is also being carpeted by authorities who are also sanitising the entire area. In addition to the Western Express Highway, work on the Eastern Express Highway is also expected to begin by next week.
Clogged nullas, a regular feature in the city of Mumbai will also be dealt with soon, claim officials.
Another MMRDA official added, “700 m along the airport junction flyover and 100m beyond, the work has started on the elevated road to the airport. For the treatment process, we are using DBM (Dense Bituminous Macadam) as the base layer and mastic asphalt as the top surface.”
As guardian minister, Mumbai Suburbs, I’ve been in constant touch with the officers. Today once again in the zoom video call, I briefed them on my conversations with the MLAs, Corporators and citizens, their suggestions and pain points as well. (2/n)
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) April 17, 2020
A Cabinet Minister in the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray took to Twitter to say, “In times as the fight with covid, the world is on pause, but not our monsoons and the onset would mean we have to complete our essential works before the monsoons arrive.”
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bmc-mmrda-come-together-to-initiate-monsoon-preparedness-in-coronavirus-hit-mumbai-1668123-2020-04-17
