June 9, 2025: In a determined effort to mitigate monsoon-related flooding, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an intensive pre-monsoon cleanliness drive across Mumbai and its suburbs. The campaign, spearheaded by the Solid Waste Management Department, commenced on May 29 and will continue until June 15, targeting the removal of accumulated waste to ensure unobstructed drainage during the rainy season.
On the opening day alone, BMC teams successfully cleared 121.2 tonnes of waste, comprising 51.5 tonnes of construction debris, 28.1 tonnes of general refuse, and 41.6 tonnes of miscellaneous waste. The operation employed 30 dumpers, 25 JCBs, and 62 mechanised units, reflecting the civic body’s preparedness for the onset of monsoon.
The initiative, undertaken on the directive of BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and supervised by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi and Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar, includes early morning clean-ups, with provision for second-round sweeping if required.
Efforts are concentrated on vulnerable zones such as riverbanks, stormwater drains, low-lying areas, and public spaces. The mission is to prevent blockages that typically result in waterlogging. Local ward offices are also identifying garbage-prone hotspots for deep cleaning, which includes roadways, narrow lanes, paver blocks, kerbstones, and drain inlets. Over 1,072 sanitation workers and 10 volunteers participated in the initial operations.
Public reaction has been mixed. Activist Zoru Bathena criticised the campaign as “a publicity exercise”, calling instead for long-term drainage solutions. Meanwhile, advocate Godfrey Pimenta welcomed the effort but stressed the need for inspections and urgent repairs, citing clogged pipes and waterlogging under flyovers such as Santacruz.
The BMC has appealed to residents to cooperate by disposing of waste responsibly and refraining from dumping near drains and water bodies.
Source: Mid-day
