Opposition Demands Probe Into Maharashtra Rain Fatalities
Mumbai: Congress’s Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, demanding a high-level inquiry into deaths due to recent rain in Maharashtra. Mr. Wadettiwar said at least 12 deaths have been reported in Mumbai in the last two days due to open manholes, falling trees and the collapse of a building in Mankhurd. He questioned the city’s preparedness for the monsoon, arguing that the deaths were entirely preventable.
“Many deaths could have been prevented with timely pre-monsoon checking of dilapidated buildings, proper felling of trees, safe manholes and better drainage management,” Mr. Wadettiwar said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told Parliament that recent incidents, including wall collapses and landslides, were a result of extreme weather conditions rather than lack of preparation.
Addressing the assembly, Mr. Fadnavis urged people to stay indoors, taking into account the weather forecast. “The government will give a detailed response to the opposition’s demand for a comprehensive investigation into rain-related incidents and deaths in the state,” he said.
Later in the day, both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly were adjourned following forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds in Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Spokesperson Rahul Narwekar urged lawmakers and the public to cooperate with the administration as authorities step up efforts to deal with the worsening weather.
Announcing the postponement, Mr. Narwekar said the current circumstances required collective cooperation. He appealed to all members to remain vigilant and support the government’s response to the rain emergency.
Mr. Fadnavis also chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Disaster Management Control Room to assess the evolving rain situation. He emphasized that all units must pay utmost attention for the next 48 hours in order to achieve the “Zero Casualty” target.
The Chief Minister also instructed all departments to respond quickly to rescue stranded citizens and ensure seamless coordination between disaster management agencies, police and local authorities. He also instructed the authorities to maintain close coordination during the heavy rainfall period and take immediate action when necessary.
