As the monsoon season approaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a strong appeal to residents living in slum settlements along hill slopes within the N Ward jurisdiction — including areas such as Vikhroli Parksite, Vikhroli West, and Ghatkopar West — to voluntarily move to safer locations.
The BMC has identified several vulnerable localities at risk of landslides and flooding, including Varsha Nagar, Ram Nagar, Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Rahul Nagar, Ganesh Nagar, Khandoba Tekdi, Azad Nagar, Sonia Gandhi Nagar, Prem Nagar, and Anand Nagar.
During the monsoon, heavy rainfall often results in increased water runoff from the hills, which can trigger mudslides, structural collapses, and the flooding of drains. These conditions pose a serious threat to the fragile slum dwellings in these areas, which could be washed away or severely damaged.
The N Ward office has already issued precautionary notices and warnings to the affected residents, emphasising the need for immediate action. The Assistant Commissioner of N Ward has clarified that the BMC will not accept responsibility for any accidents, loss of life, or property damage caused by natural disasters in these high-risk zones.
This appeal is a stark reminder of the tragic incident on 18 July 2021, when 10 people lost their lives after slum structures in Vikhroli’s Suryanagar area — situated approximately 500 feet above LBS Road — collapsed due to relentless rainfall.
With the monsoon imminent, authorities urge residents in vulnerable hill slope settlements to prioritise their safety and consider relocating to designated safer zones to prevent further tragedies.
Source: TOI
