Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, July 5: Senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai on Sunday criticised the Maharashtra government over widespread flooding and waterlogging caused by relentless monsoon rains, alleging that authorities had failed to undertake adequate preventive measures despite having sufficient time to prepare.
His remarks came as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall continued to batter large parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar, warning of intense rainfall and the possibility of further disruptions.
The persistent downpour has inundated several low-lying areas, disrupted suburban train services, and prompted the closure of schools in multiple districts. Authorities have also reported road cave-ins, uprooted trees and widespread disruption to road and rail transport.
The impact has extended beyond Mumbai to Thane, Palghar, Navi Mumbai and Pune, where flooding, landslides and precautionary evacuations have been reported.
Speaking to IANS, Dalwai alleged that the administration had failed to address recurring civic issues despite repeated warnings.
"There was enough time before the rains to carry out the necessary work, but it was not done properly. The quality of the work is so poor that it is unbelievable. Roads are in bad condition and water has accumulated everywhere. Entire stretches have turned into ponds. I repeatedly raised these issues with the contractor, but nothing was done," he said.
Questioning the preparedness of civic authorities, the Congress leader also raised concerns over uncovered manholes, which have led to fatal accidents during previous monsoon seasons.
"Are the BMC engineers doing their job? There are so many open manholes, and people have lost their lives after falling into them. These should have been properly covered before the rains. Announcing compensation after a tragedy cannot undo the loss. The administration has completely failed to prevent these recurring monsoon-related problems," he said.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall continued to affect normal life across Maharashtra.
In Pune, at least 14 vehicles were damaged after the compound wall of a residential society collapsed early on Sunday following incessant rain, according to fire brigade officials.
Waterlogging was also reported at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai's Kurla area on Saturday, while heavy showers continued across Mumbai, Thane and Pune on Sunday.
Officials said continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours has caused extensive flooding in several parts of Thane district, resulting in tree falls, traffic disruptions and the collapse of a residential building gallery that left two people injured.