The Thane Municipal Corporation has identified highly vulnerable landslide-prone zones within the city limits and directed teams to interact with residents living in these locations and update them with precautionary measures to be taken during the monsoon season.
Identification of High-Risk Zones
Around 14 potential spots have been identified, of which extremely risky stretches will see extra caution by the administration. These include Lokmanya Sawarkar Nagar, Gholai, and Atkoneshwar Nagar in Kalwa (East), as well as stretches along the Mumbra bypass, according to senior officials.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
We have issued cautions to families residing on hill slopes and foothill settlements, warning them of possible landslides during periods of intense rainfall, said a senior official. Residents have been asked to alert the authorities if they spot any changes in geographical conditions or situations that could lead to mud or landslides during heavy rains. Details of shelter homes in the areas have also been identified and marked. The focus is on prompt evacuation and avoiding any loss of life during emergencies.
Challenges in Risk Mitigation
Officials stated that sustained risk mitigation work has been undertaken over the years, but many residents continue to stay in some risky areas despite repeated warnings. Activists claim that relocation efforts often face resistance as families lack alternative accommodation and fear losing access to jobs in the neighbourhood.
Background of Monsoon Tragedies
The warnings come against the backdrop of previous monsoon tragedies in the region. A July 2021 landslide at Gholai Nagar in Kalwa claimed five lives and left others injured, underscoring the risks faced by residents living in unstable hillside settlements.
