Panvel: As the monsoon season approaches, Panvel Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale has called for police support in vacating dangerous buildings and deploying additional security personnel at Pandavkada, a popular monsoon destination. This comes as part of the city’s proactive efforts to minimize risks and prevent disasters during the rainy season.
Pandavkada, renowned for its picturesque waterfall, attracts thousands of visitors each year from Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad. However, the location has seen tragic incidents in the past, including drowning cases, prompting the Forest Department to close off access to the waterfall during the monsoon. Despite restrictions, some visitors continue to risk their safety by using alternate routes to reach the site. In response, the Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger security measures to curb these activities and ensure the safety of all visitors.
The review meeting, which took place at the municipal headquarters, also addressed several other monsoon preparedness initiatives. These included the maintenance of STP plant pumps, preventing waterlogging at key locations such as bus stands, and conducting structural audits of roadside hoardings to ensure stability during heavy rains.
Further discussions focused on improving infrastructure, with the Commissioner urging the repair of dilapidated district council schools before the monsoon and the completion of roadworks within the municipal limits.
Additionally, in light of the expected monsoon, the health department was advised to ensure sufficient stocks of medicines and medical supplies to handle potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Coordination with the electricity department for trimming dangerous trees and clearing branches was also prioritized.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Additional Commissioner Ganesh Shete, Assistant Director (Town Planning) Keshav Shinde, Transport Manager Kailas Gawde, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vaibhav Vidhate, City Engineer Sanjay Katekar, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anand Gosavi, Assistant Police Commissioner Ashok Rajput, and other representatives from various departments, CIDCO, and the Tree Authority.
