With the Monsoon just days away, V Citizens Action Network (VCAN) organised a much needed Social Sanchar on monsoon preparedness and understanding Mumbai’s Disaster Management, at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, on 13th June, 2019. The event aimed to provide a direct citizens interaction with Dr. Ashwini Joshi ​IAS, Addl. Municipal Commissioner (WS), MCGM, who helms Mumbai’s Disaster Management, Health, Fire Brigade and many other departments!

Disaster Management Unit Director Mr. Mahesh Narvekar, Senior Officers of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, representatives of Adani Power company as well as BEST Electricity division were also present, to understand the concerns of citizens and to answer any questions as directed by Dr. Ashwini Joshi.

The Social Sanchar began with the welcome address on behalf of VCAN and MCGM and a brief introduction by Mrs. Indrani Malkani, Chairman, VCAN. She expressed her gratitude towards VCAN’s Web Portal’s founding partner, Eureka Forbes; VCAN’s Social Sanchars venue partner, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, as well as technology partner Teknowlegion and video technology partner April Broadcast; friends in the media, colleagues and networking partners who enabled VCAN to take their work forward. She particularly mentioned how VCAN’s biggest strength lies with their college partner Jai Hind College and thanked the students for their help and support.

Mrs. Malkani then introduced the Guest Speaker Dr. Ashwini Joshi and mentioned that Dr. Joshi who is also a medical doctor, and though she has only recently been posted with the MCGM, she was very familiar with Greater Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Following the introduction, Dr. Joshi delivered her opening remarks, starting off by thanking Mrs. Malkani, and the Trustees of VCAN for inviting her to interact with the citizens on the issue of Disaster Management. Before starting her presentation, she emphasised that more interactions with the citizens is planned and that the key factor in Disaster Management is Communication and it is a top priority.

Thereafter Dr Joshi, gave a brief presentation on MCGM’s monsoons preparedness and the role of MCGM in Disaster Management. The presentation was brief and crisp whilst it explained the many features and preparations related to the City’s Disaster Preparedness.

Dr Joshi, explained how communication is the key to control any disaster or handle an emergency situation. She also stressed on the importance of the helpline 1916 which is the number of the main Disaster Control Unit at MCGM Head Office and is active and functional 24/7. Equally the full-fledged Control Room is functional 24/7. However, if failure happens at the main Control Room then in 19 seconds the Disaster Institute in Parel gets activated.

She appealed to the citizens to use this helpline and also explained that apart from the Central Control Room, each Municipal Ward has a fully equipped and connected Control Room with a dedicated number. These Control Rooms are very efficient and citizens should keep the control room numbers handy as the local Ward Office which is the smallest unit is also the main coordination centre and nearest point of contact for citizens. MCGM aims at publicising this, so that it can be used in the best interest of public. She also spoke about the Social Media usage and the active use of their Twitter handle.

Dr. Joshi highlighted multiple aspects of preparedness as well as that of training, both of MCGM personnel as well as citizens, particularly the youth. She also spoke about the educational art gallery, early warning system, rescue teams at the beaches, issues related to tree trimmings, cleaning of Nullahs, about the installation of protective grill under the manhole covers, usage of pumps during water logging, the health measures and hospital preparedness, technological initiatives and the role of citizens. She also explained about the functioning of NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force) and CDRF (City Disaster Relief Force), the two major forces trained systematically to act upon a disaster or a hazardous situation immediately.

Next she stressed on the importance of fire audit in general and the necessity to conduct fire audits at schools, hospitals and other institutes with reference to the recent Surat fire case.

Moving ahead Dr Joshi and Mrs Malkani collectively spoke about how every individual should adopt safe practices during the monsoons, such as ensuring that there is no stagnant water in their homes and building premises. Dr. Joshi appealed to all to cooperate with the insecticide officers when they visit to fumigate.

To view the full presentation of Dr. Ashwini Joshi click here

The floor was then opened to the audience interaction, both in house and online.

At the outset Mrs. Malkani conveyed that a large number of questions have already been received on SMS and Twitter. Hence all questions will be on passed to Dr. Joshi for her to answer, which will then be posted on VCAN’s web portal.

The first issue and question was raised by the representative of the Centre for Sustainable Governance, All India Institute of Local Self-Government (AIILSG). The Centre has taken up the issue of Fire safety and the link between electrical short circuit and fires. With the onset of monsoon, the risk of short circuit occurring also increases. A proposal related to the issue of electrical short circuits and offer of support has been submitted to MCGM by the Centre for Sustainable Governance. Dr. Joshi confirmed that she has seen the proposal and will be working with the Centre on this matter.

The representatives of Adani Power Company and the BEST elaborated on the updated preventive measures that the respective power distributors have put in place to deal with any untoward incidents.

A most critical aspect that emerged is that whereas the distributors have updated their preventive measures, it was necessary for individual householders to conduct electrical audits by licensed electrical auditors as well.

To a concern raised regarding providing temporary shelters by way of vacant buildings or by placing porta cabins on footpaths, to the homeless who stay on the pavements, Dr. Joshi explained that the shelters that are identified are schools and are meant for evacuated persons affected during emergencies. Further, porta cabins cannot be placed on footpaths as it’s meant for pedestrian to walk.

Multiple concerns were raised related to fire evacuation, fire audits, automated system installation and fire prevention and responsibilities of citizens as well as usage of existing fire hydrants and making them functional.

There was also a suggestion that for immediate evacuation trampoline may be used so that persons can jump and not injure themselves, since the ladders may not reach to higher floors. Dr. Joshi explained that such a solution may not be practical as some people may have fear of heights.

To all of the above issues raised, the Officer of the Fire Brigade elaborated and explained in detail that proper systems will have to be installed in buildings and when done correctly and maintained regularly, if there are fire incidents then evacuation will also be done smoothly. It was also pointed out by the Officer that nowhere in the world ladders can reach beyond a certain height.

With regard to fire hydrants, it was explained that mobile water tanker hydrants are now in use for practical reasons.

Further, a query was raised related to installation of fire safety equipment in heritage buildings.

In the case of heritage building, Dr. Joshi informed that the Chief Fire Officer to be contacted who will then guide the process.

To the issue raised of river beds being concretised, and special attention was drawn to Poisar, Oshiwara and Dahisar rivers apart from Mithi which overflow within a few hours of it raining. This flooding occurs due to concretisation of the riverbed and the embankments, hence the rain water cannot get absorbed on the riverbed. Dr. Joshi took note of this matter and conveyed that she will look into the issue.

Another citizen brought up the issue of water table recharge and contamination of the water table. Dr Joshi mentioned that for such concerns one should contact GSDA and she would also convey the suggestion received to the HE department.

Mr Narvekar, Director, Disaster Management Unit MCGM, when asked by Dr. Joshi, explained that flooding occurs when there is heavy rainfall and it coincides with high tide. Since Mumbai is a coastal city there is a tidal effect and the flood gates cannot be opened when there is high tide and heavy rainfall occurs at the same time. Therefore, it is advised caution to citizens not to venture to the beaches and take precautions in general.  A list of high tide days has been prepared and is available on the App as well as on the special Disaster Management Unit website.

For list of the High Tide days click here  

For the list of Ward Control Rooms with the respective numbers and Ward location map click here  

For only the list of Ward Control Rooms with the respective numbers click here

Mrs. Malkani reminded all present at the venue that the hard copies of both the lists have been circulated to all.

Mrs. Malkani drew attention of Dr Joshi to share about the HAMs as alternate communication which has been integrated with MCGM. Mr. Narvekar explained about the association of HAMS with MCGM and the role of JNA wireless and Anirudha Academy.

In conclusion Dr. Joshi urged citizens to download the App (iOS & Android) which would be very useful for all updates and multiple information.

Mrs. Malkani drew attention of all to the standee displayed at the venue where all details of the MCGM App, Disaster Management special website and social media are displayed. She urged those present at the venue to take a photo of the standee.

To view the standee, click here

Mrs. Malkani concluded the programme by calling the Trustees of VCAN present; Capt. Ashok Malkani, Capt. Sohrab Kapadia and Mr. Rajan Jayakar to join her and then requesting Mr Rajan Jayakar to present a memento on behalf of VCAN, to Dr Ashwini Joshi.

Mr Cyrus Heerjee, President of the RBYC then presented a memento on behalf of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club to Dr. Joshi.

Last but not the least, an official photograph was taken and all were invited for some light refreshments.

To view the photos of the event, click here

To view the video of the event, click here

To view the press coverage by The Hindu, click here

To view the press coverage by  DNA, click here

Please be advised, the information in the presentation was prepared by Dr. Ashwini Joshi ​IAS, Addl. Municipal Commissioner (WS), MCGM, and was presented at the TogetherVCAN’s Social Sanchar held on 13th June 2019.

All Rights are reserved with the Author and due acknowledgement is to be given to the Author should this presentation in part or in full be used by anyone anywhere. The contents of the presentation are by the Author and not by VCAN.