The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has requested a Rs 1,000-crore relief package from the Maharashtra government to repair civic infrastructure damaged during the severe July floods and implement long-term measures to prevent future flooding in the region.
The civic body has estimated infrastructure losses of Rs 28.61 crore following heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding across Vasai-Virar in the first week of July. The floods claimed 12 lives and affected several residential areas, damaging homes and public infrastructure.
As part of its flood damage assessment, VVCMC has prepared a detailed report highlighting the extent of destruction caused by the deluge. The report stated that floodwaters entered 18,582 houses, damaging household items and affecting thousands of residents. Several roads, culverts and sewage treatment plants (STPs) were also impacted, leading to significant losses to civic facilities.
Mayor Ajiv Patil said the civic body has submitted the assessment report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting financial support for both restoration work and permanent flood prevention solutions.
“VVCMC has prepared the report and sought a Rs 1,000-crore relief package from the state govt to implement long-term measures aimed at preventing similar flood situations in the future,” Patil said.
The proposed measures include installation of automatic sluice gates, development of new stormwater drainage systems, construction of bridges and elevation of flood-prone roads. These works are estimated to cost around Rs 584.45 crore.
The civic body has also proposed developing holding ponds along Vasai Link Road and in Virar West at an estimated cost of Rs 407 crore. These ponds are expected to improve water storage capacity and help manage excess rainwater during heavy rainfall events.
Additionally, VVCMC has identified 31 landslide-prone areas across the city and sought Rs 19.53 crore for slope stabilisation and other safety measures.
Patil said the Chief Minister had responded positively to the proposal and assured that the state government would explore ways to provide maximum possible financial assistance for the proposed flood mitigation projects.
Source: The Times of India
