The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has recommended that private offices in Mumbai permit employees to work from home, while non-essential government offices are to operate for only half a day. This guidance comes amid ongoing heavy rainfall in the region that has escalated into severe weather conditions.

This advisory was issued on July 6, 2023, as portions of Maharashtra are experiencing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Reports indicate that flooding has occurred in low-lying areas of Raigad, further complicating the operational landscape for businesses and government functions alike.

According to IMD scientist Bikram Singh, many parts of Mumbai have been affected by heavy and very heavy rainfall, with isolated regions receiving extremely heavy precipitation. He reported that Lonavala recorded the highest rainfall, amounting to 670 mm. Warnings for Raigad, the ghat region of Pune district, Nashik, and Palghar have been extended for the next 24 to 48 hours, as additional severe weather is anticipated.

Impact on Transportation and Rail Services

The Central Railway has announced several adjustments to train services resulting from a landslide between Lonavala and Karjat. Trains have been diverted, short-terminated, or rescheduled, prompting passengers to check updated schedules. Local train services were also interrupted between Kanjurmarg and Bhandup due to a plastic blockage on the overhead line equipment (OHE), although restoration efforts are underway.

Reports from Western Railways indicate that the Palghar area has experienced over 300 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, causing significant water-logging in regions such as Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar. Consequently, local train services in these areas have been considerably affected, with the railways now operating a minimal number of services between Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar. However, services between Churchgate and Vasai Road continue with delays of around 20 to 25 minutes.

Railway officials emphasised that measures are being taken to communicate real-time updates to passengers through various media channels. Coordination with city authorities is ongoing to ensure that travellers are informed of current conditions and to mitigate inconvenience during this challenging period.

BMC Issues Safety Guidelines for Construction Sites

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also issued guidelines in light of the heavy rainfall and projected wind speeds of 70-80 km/h. The advisory requires construction developers and engineers to examine and secure scaffolding, cranes, loose materials, and other temporary structures on active sites, with particular emphasis on safety measures.

Moreover, the BMC has urged that construction operations, especially those involving lifting or work at heights, be paused if weather conditions pose risks. Continuous monitoring of weather conditions is mandatory until stability returns, underlining the emphasis on worker and public safety.

The civic authority reiterated that compliance with these safety regulations is crucial to protect workers and nearby residents. Immediate inspections of all construction sites must be conducted, and any unsafe conditions must be rectified without delay. The BMC’s advisory highlights the need for rigorous adherence to safety regulations and best practices within the construction industry.

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