Mumbai: BMC urges slumdwellers in landslide-prone areas of Vikhroli and Bhandup to relocate to safer locations

Mumbai: The civic administration has appealed to slumdwellers living in the hilly areas of Vikhroli and Bhandup in S Ward to relocate to safer places as a precautionary measure ahead of the monsoon season.The administration has issued a warning to residents living on hill slopes in areas including Suryanagar in Vikhroli West, Indiranagar in Powai, Gautam Nagar, Paspoli, Jaibhim Nagar, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Parts 1 and 2 in Bhandup West, Nardas Nagar, Gaondevi Tekdi, Gaondevi Road, Tembhipada, Rawate Compound, Khindipada, Ramnagar, Hanuman Nagar, Hanuman Tekdi, Ashok Tekdi, and Ambyachi Bharani.During monsoon, heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and cause water to flow down hill slopes, increasing the risk of house collapses. There is also a possibility of nullahs overflowing, which could result in huts being washed away.The S Ward office has already issued caution notices to occupants of structures and tenements identified as dangerous in these areas. As an additional precaution, the civic administration has once again urged residents to voluntarily move to safer locations.The assistant municipal commissioner of S Ward stated that the BMC will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from natural calamities if residents choose to remain in these high-risk areas despite repeated warnings.