Daijiworld Media Network - Vasai

Vasai, Jul 18: In the wake of last week's heavy rainfall, which triggered flooding across Vasai-Virar and disrupted railway services due to waterlogging on the tracks, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) and railway authorities held a joint review meeting at the municipal headquarters.

Mayor Ajiv Patil said that although the civic body spends crores of rupees every year on desilting drains, the problem of waterlogging continues to persist. He stressed the need to prepare a long-term flood mitigation plan by allocating a special budget of Rs 100 crore for creating permanent stormwater drainage infrastructure instead of relying solely on annual drain-cleaning works.

Patil also suggested that the administration consult senior citizens and local residents familiar with the area's historical watercourses to identify the natural flow of rainwater and formulate appropriate solutions.

He said obstacles affecting the natural flow of water should be removed after obtaining approvals from the concerned departments. Where traditional drainage channels have been blocked, the civic body should coordinate with local villagers and farmers to reopen them or, where necessary, construct new drains.

The mayor also pointed out that inadequate cleaning of drains and culverts within railway limits had contributed to flooding in the city. He emphasised the need to widen major drains in phases, from their outfalls to their points of origin, to improve rainwater discharge.

Patil said the permission process for cleaning drains within railway jurisdiction often delays maintenance work, resulting in the accumulation of silt and subsequent waterlogging during heavy rains.

He further noted that railway line widening and platform construction works had narrowed several natural drainage channels, adversely affecting both the city and railway operations. He urged the railway authorities to prioritise the construction of new drains and stormwater channels within railway premises to address the issue.

The meeting was attended by railway officials, Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B. P., Additional Commissioners Deepak Sawant and Sanjay Herwade, City Engineer Pradeep Pachange, Standing Committee Chairman Pravin Shetty, Leader of the House Praful Sane, Deputy Mayor Marshal Lopies, and other senior officials.