Chief Minister Ekanath Shinde on flood situation, steps taken, stranded citizens will be airlifted if needed
Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday spoke about the steps taken by the administration and the government to address the floods in Pune.
Over 40,000 cusecs water was released from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha river in the wee hours of Thursday. This resulted in flooding of many areas in Pune and surrounding areas. Around 2-3 ft of water was accumulated in many areas. The situation arose due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the four reservoirs of the Khadakwasla system. This was revealed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
CM Shinde tells administration to be alert
Eknath Shinde instructed the government administration to remain alert in view of the situation. He told them to rescue citizens stranded in the floods.
Speaking to a news channel, CM Shinde said, “Mumbai, Raigad, Pune received heavy rains. There is a similar situation in some other parts of the State. I have told the administration to remain on the alert mode. Heavy rainfall was reported in Khadakwasla Dam and its catchment areas. Maval got 255-mm rainfall. Mulshi had 70 mm. This has aggravated the situation in Pune.”
‘The Indian Army has also been alerted’
I have issued instructions to the municipal commissioners of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad as well as the SDRF and NDRF. Local agencies and the Fire Brigade are in the field. I have instructed the Army to remain on alert. I spoke to Maj Gen Anurag Vij. I also called up Col Sandeep. I have asked the Army, the Navy and the Air Force to keep their teams ready.”
‘Option of airlifting people is available’
Shinde said, “Agencies are ready to airlift stranded people, if needed. The Health Department, the police and rescue teams have been told to work in coordination and help Puneites and shift people to safer places. I have asked them to arrange food, water and shelter for the affected citizens. Offices and schools have been told to remain closed. I am in touch with the administration. Ajit Pawar is at the control room in Mumbai. I spoke to him too.”
The scenario in Mumbai
Shinde said, “We discussed the situation in Mumbai with the Municipal Commissioner. As many as 252 water pumps are removing flood water. Andheri subway is closed due to the flood. Water is being pumped out in Kurla-Ghatkopar. Railway and road traffic has not been affected. There is an orange alert in Mumbai. We need to be alert for the next 3-4 hours. I request citizens to stay home. Those who have gone out for some work should reach safe places. Their lives are more important.
“The administration is watching the flood levels of Kundalika, Savitri and Amba rivers in Raigad. Instructions have been issued to shift people to safe places.”
