BMC works out ‘foolproof’ disaster control system

Mumbai: In a bid to reduce response time and improve co-ordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and various agencies in the eventuality of a flood, civic chief Subodh Kumar has worked out a "foolproof" system this monsoon. 

    The civic body has identified 14 emergency support functions and Kumar has issued orders that representatives of each function should be present at the disaster control cell at the BMC headquarters, during preidentified high tide days for effective co-ordination. 
    The functions identified include communication, public safety and law & order, firefighting, search and rescue, transport, public health and sanitation, resource management, information management, mass care and housing, relief supply, energy (power failure, fuel), utility, public works and infrastructure, and oil and hazardous material. 
    "For the first time, the disaster control cell will have representatives from various agencies. Earlier, we would call each agency and the response time was longer. We aim to bring down the time during a disaster during the monsoon," said Mahesh Narvekar, chief officer, disaster control cell. 
    The functions for resource management have their own research inventory. "So, if there is water-logging in Malad, the resource inventory at the disaster control cell will know which resource inventory to contact to provide kayaks, boats or lifejackets," said Narvekar. 
    For relief supply, a representative from the collector's office will be present to co-ordinate and supply relief material on time. 
    For monsoon-related ailments, representatives of the BMC's executive health officer will co-ordinate with private and government hospitals. 
    "For transport, if a train derails and we need extra buses or cabs, the transport commissioner's representative will sit here and make arrangements," said Narvekar. 
    There is also a hotline connected to the main station of the control room, which is connected to all agencies and 24 administrative wards. 
    "Whenever a citizen calls on 108 during floods, the ward office is informed within two minutes. Each ward is connected with a hotline and immediately informs the ward control room. The ward office has to take cognizance of the complaint," said Narvekar. 
    The next high tide, expected to be 4.60 m high, is likely on June 15.