Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Urges Residents to “Move to Safer Areas” Amid Ongoing Heavy Rains

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday assessed the situation as the state continues to experience heavy rainfall. The Chief Minister has instructed the Raigad collector to provide assistance to all flood-affected individuals and assured support for the ongoing relief efforts.

Traffic has been halted on the Raigad-Pune route at Tamhini Ghat due to debris from a landslide caused by the intense rains. According to Raigad Police, “Traffic is stopped at Tamhini Ghat in the Raigad-Pune route due to a landslide. Traffic will be stopped for the next few hours until the debris is cleared.”

In a statement to ANI, Shinde noted that water remains on roads and in homes in Pune. He emphasized that local officials, including the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner, are on high alert. “There is water on the roads and in the houses of people in Pune. There is a lot of rain at Khadakwasla Dam and in the catchment area. The District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on alert,” he said.

Shinde also announced the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and mentioned that army units and airlifting teams are on standby. “Teams of NDRF and SDRF are deployed there. I have spoken to the Army to keep their teams on alert. Preparations have also been made for airlifting operations if needed,” he added.

The Chief Minister urged residents to cooperate with the administration and move to safer locations. An orange alert has been issued for Mumbai for the next three hours. “I appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places. In Mumbai, an ‘orange’ alert has been sounded for the next 3 hours. I have spoken to the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to take all measures. 222 water pumps are working to drain excess water in different areas,” Shinde stated.

He also highlighted issues in Mumbai, noting water accumulation on railway tracks in Kurla and Ghatkopar areas, and ongoing efforts to reopen the Andheri subway. “There is water accumulated on railway tracks in the Kurla and Ghatkopar areas. Work is being done to open the Andheri subway, which is closed right now. I appeal to Mumbaikars not to venture outside, if not required. I have also spoken to the Raigad Collector and directed him to remain alert,” Shinde said.

Additionally, the Pune administration has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges due to the heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats.

(With ANI Inputs)

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