The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) delegates have convened in Mumbai for their second meeting . The delegation, consisting of over 120 members, visited the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, a heritage building, as part of their study tour. The delegates were warmly welcomed with traditional Maharashtrian hospitality. They had the opportunity to explore the BMC’s Disaster Management Department and were impressed by the corporation’s preparedness and measures taken to handle various disasters.
Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal, Commissioner and Administrator of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, along with other senior officials, including Ashwini Bhide, Ashish Sharma, P. Velrasu, Ramesh Pawar, and Milind Sawant, were present during the visit.
The delegates were presented with information about the Municipal Corporation’s initiatives related to prevention, mitigation, and preparedness for emergencies. They were briefed on the performance of the Emergency Operations Centre during past natural and man-made disasters in Mumbai, the equipment of the Emergency Management Department, and efforts to increase public participation.
The establishment of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) gained significance after the devastating 1993 Latur Earthquake. Following a government directive, control rooms were set up in all districts for communication and coordination purposes. In 1999, the BMC established a Disaster Management Unit (DMU) in the basement of the BMC Head Office, equipped with communication infrastructure. The importance of the EOC was further highlighted during the deluge on July 26, 2005, when Mumbai experienced record rainfall and subsequent flooding. Within a year, the control room was expanded with modern equipment and a larger area to handle emergencies effectively.
The EOC operates round the clock and acts as a command and control agency between the administration and field units. It serves as a central point for all matters related to disaster management and coordinates with various stakeholders for a prompt and efficient response. The EOC also has a dedicated helpline number for citizens to report emergencies and complaints. Additionally, the BMC Disaster Management Department is developing a Multi Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment Plan in collaboration with UNDP, which will be available on the ArcGIS platform for decision support. They are also working on predictive/early warning system modules for various hazards to enable early action.
As part of community resilience and citizen participation, the BMC’s Disaster Management Department has trained 1000 volunteers known as “Aapada Mitra” and “Sakhi.” These volunteers will support the BMC during crises.
After their visit to the BMC Control Room and the walk in the heritage building, the DRRWG delegates will also visit the iconic Gateway of India and enjoy a light and sound show.