Vasai-Virar flooding caused by unplanned urbanisation, encroachments, says Maharashtra minister Ganesh Naik

The recent flooding in the VasaiVirar region of Maharashtrarsquos Palghar district was caused by unplanned urbanisation and encroachments on natural drains rather than heavy rainfall alone Forest and Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik saidNaik said authorities will prepare a comprehensive flood mitigation action plan within the next 15 to 20 days using satellite mapping and drone surveys to identify problem areas and implement longterm solutionsThe minister visited several floodaffected areas including Nalasopara Naigaon Sasunavghar and Safale on Thursday where he interacted with residents and reviewed the situationFlood mitigation plan to be prepared using technologyAddressing a press conference after his visit Naik said a joint meeting involving senior officials from the railways National Highways Authority of India state government departments and civic bodies will be held soonHe said the meeting will focus on preparing and implementing longterm measures to prevent repeated flooding in the regionAccording to the minister satellite and dronebased assessments will help authorities study drainage networks encroachments and vulnerable locations to prepare an effective action planTo provide immediate relief to affected residents Naik directed officials to complete damage assessments on priorityFinancial assistance will be provided quickly to people who suffered losses including damage to household items educational materials and other essential belongings he saidAuthorities focus on drainage and construction issuesNaik said unplanned development and encroachments blocking natural water flow had contributed significantly to the flooding in VasaiVirarAs part of longterm flood prevention measures the state government will focus on developing underground drainage systems and strengthening regulations against unauthorised construction he addedResponding to concerns over power outages in several areas the minister said electricity infrastructure had also been affected by floodingRestoring power before the water recedes completely is dangerous but the distribution company has been instructed to expedite repairs safely he saidPower restored for over 2 lakh consumers after floodingOfficials from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited said electricity supply was restored for more than 2 lakh consumers in the floodhit region within 12 hours after floodwaters started recedingSeveral power stations and distribution panels were submerged during the flooding delaying restoration work in some areasMeanwhile Naik said Maharashtra aims to increase its forest cover from 21 per cent to 33 per cent by planting 300 crore treesHe added that advanced tissueculture nurseries are being set up across Konkan Vidarbha and other regions to support the plantation initiativeHeavy rainfall had affected several parts of Palghar district earlier this week flooding residential areas and submerging railway tracks The flooding also disrupted Western Railway services before conditions gradually improvedWith inputs from PTI