In a bid to bolster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has issued directives to expedite drain cleaning works, with a mandated start date of April 15. The directives were given during a comprehensive pre-monsoon review meeting held recently.

The meeting, convened in the municipal commissioner's hall, saw the presence of key officials including Additional Commissioners, City Engineer, Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners, among others. Deputy Commissioner (Disaster Management) G.G. Godepure presented an overview of the municipal corporation's responsibilities and arrangements for the upcoming monsoon period.

Commissioner Rao stressed the urgency of completing the tender process for drain cleaning and ensuring its commencement by April 15. Additionally, he emphasized the need to formulate an action plan for the evacuation of 86 high-risk buildings identified within the municipal jurisdiction.

"The safety of residents is paramount, especially in the face of impending monsoon challenges. We must take proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with drainage and structural vulnerabilities”, stated Commissioner Rao.

Following the meeting, Commissioner Rao conducted an inspection of the emergency room, focusing on the responsiveness to citizen complaints and the coordination between relevant agencies. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust communication network during emergencies, directing key officials to remain accessible and responsive throughout the monsoon season.

Furthermore, Commissioner Rao visited the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF) and emphasized the importance of adequate equipment and training for efficient disaster management. He urged the team to promptly address any resource requirements to enhance their preparedness.

In a bid to leverage technological solutions, Commissioner Rao also visited the Adayawat Data Centre established through the Smart City initiative. He directed officials to optimize its utilization for early detection and response to emergency situations.