Crores spent since 26/7, but little to show for it : Hindustan Times

MUMBAI: After the 2005 deluge, the city was once again brought to its knees on Friday. While water-logging and potholes have become monsoon staples for the Mumbaiites, this time, the public transport system – including trains – broke down, forcing many to stay indoors.

Those who ventured out had to wade through waterlogged streets, while cars ploughed halfsubmerged. So what has the civic body learnt in the 10 years since the July 26, 2005, flooding?

In its budget of Rs33,514 crore this financial year, the BMC allocated huge amounts to make monsoon comfortable for you. More than Rs186 crore was spent on cleaning drains, about Rs2,000 crore spent on road repairs and a massive Rs1,426 crore set aside for major storm water drain projects.

Before the monsoon, the BMC had claimed 99.9% of the desilting work on the city’s nullahs was completed.

But on Friday, areas such as Ghatkopar, Mankhurd, Govandi, Kurla, Bandra, Santacruz and Malad were completely inundated within the first few hours of heavy rainfall.

An audit carried out by a panel of experts invited by Hindustan Times had alerted in early June that the city would witness heavy waterlogging this monsoon, worse than the previous year.

The panel had rated the city’s rain-readiness at an abysmal 4.03 on a scale of 10. Frustrated citizens are questioning how the taxpayers’ money has been spent. “We are paying hard-earned money as taxes but every year, the situation gets worse, despite repeated complaints,” said James John, of NGO AGNI.

While officials claimed the problem is because the city is surrounded by the sea on three sides, experts have rubbished it.

“The main problem in the BMC is the rampant corruption. From the lowest rung of the administration to politicians, all are involved in siphoning off taxpayers’ money,” said Milind Mhaske, director, Praja Foundation.

In the last 24 hours, the BMCs voice of citizen website has seen 100 new potholes reported. This, after the BMC assigned Rs14 crore specifically to fill potholes.

Civic chief Ajoy Mehta refused to comment. “The responsibility for the problems will be fixed after a few days. Right now, our priority is to handle the situation. We are reviewing conditions.” A road cave-in was also reported owing to sewer line collapse at Churchgate.