Priyanka Chaturvedi Mocks BMC’s Monsoon Readiness Claims After Mumbai Waterlogging Chaos
Shiv Sena MP questions civic body's flood preparedness.
Heavy rainfall triggered widespread waterlogging across Mumbai on Wednesday, disrupting traffic and daily life in several parts of the city. Among the worst-affected locations was the Andheri subway, which was shut to vehicular movement after being inundated by rainwater. The situation prompted criticism from opposition leaders and renewed questions about the city's monsoon preparedness.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took a swipe at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the recurring flooding issues. In a post on social media platform X, she sarcastically remarked, “Mumbai is ready for the rains, like every year, thank you BMC. Not.” In another post accompanied by a video of the flooded Andheri subway, she criticised the city's administration, referring to the “triple-engine government” while highlighting the impact of the season's first spell of heavy rain.
The video shared by Chaturvedi showed a vehicle attempting to pass through the waterlogged underpass. Civic authorities later closed the subway after water levels rose significantly, making it unsafe for traffic. Officials on the ground acknowledged the persistent challenges at the location, which has witnessed repeated flooding during heavy monsoon showers over the years.
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A BMC official identified as Rhitik said authorities had yet to find a permanent or temporary solution to the recurring problem. He noted that civic personnel were stationed at the site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded stretch. Despite warnings, some motorists continued attempting to cross the underpass. According to the official, a rickshaw became stranded in the middle of the subway, requiring assistance from BMC personnel to safely evacuate the driver.
Another civic official, Robert, said the administration was focused on preventing further incidents by restricting vehicle access to the affected area. He stated that teams were working continuously to ensure public safety and minimise risks posed by the flooding. The closure of the subway caused traffic disruptions in surrounding areas as commuters sought alternative routes.
Beyond Andheri, heavy waterlogging was reported from several locations across Mumbai and its metropolitan region, including Dadar railway station, the Swaminarayan Mandir area in Dadar, King's Circle, Milan subway, Malad East-West subway, APMC Vegetable Market, Vasai-Virar, Nalasopara and parts of Navi Mumbai. The widespread flooding came as the India Meteorological Department issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to remain on high alert for further weather-related disruptions.
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