October 09, 2025: In a proactive move to enhance Mumbai’s disaster preparedness, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has trained over two lakh citizens in disaster management, an official said. The initiative comes as part of the civic body’s larger effort to strengthen the city’s resilience against natural and man-made hazards.
Facing potential risks such as a 6.9-magnitude earthquake and possible tsunamis, the BMC is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its surveillance and monitoring systems to enable quicker, data-driven emergency responses. The upgraded AI-backed network is designed to identify early warning signs, coordinate rapid action, and improve real-time situational awareness across departments.
The civic body is also conducting a comprehensive multi-hazard risk assessment, which highlights that Mumbai faces 21 to 22 potential hazards, as identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). These include flooding, building collapses, fires, cyclones, and industrial accidents, among others.
Officials noted that the ongoing citizen training and technological integration aim to create a more informed and responsive urban population. The initiative ensures that local communities are equipped to act as first responders in times of crisis, thereby reducing dependency on emergency services during the initial critical minutes of a disaster.
Through these measures, the BMC is working toward building a safer, more resilient Mumbai, capable of anticipating and mitigating risks while empowering citizens to take proactive roles in disaster management.
Source: The Times of India
