General
BMC’s Commitment to a Secure Mumbai
Mumbai, known as the financial capital of India, the provenance of the Bollywood, and a hub of aspirations for millions of Indians, has emerged as a distinctive metropolis. Its exceptional features are the result of well-planned infrastructure in terms of basic amenities, industries, transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, and more. Amidst this diversity, Mumbai’s geographical composition is also uniquely remarkable. Surrounded by the sea on two sides and a creek on another side, this metropolis has witnessed challenges throughout its history. Apart from providing civic services and amenities, the parent organisation of Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also takes on the significant responsibility of formulating contingency plans for natural and man-made crises and managing such situations too.
BMC has always prepared to address various disasters and crises that may arise, to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Mumbai. While continuously striving to provide excellent basic amenities for the residents of Mumbai, BMC takes proactive measures to plan appropriate solutions in challenging circumstances. A vital component of this proactive approach is the Disaster Management Department of BMC. Mumbai has faced numerous challenges in the past, such as heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, terrorist attacks, building collapses, fire incidents, and other disasters. The catastrophic flood in 2005 and the terrorist attack in 2008 are the major crises that have occurred in Mumbai until now. In both these crises, the well-organized and planned disaster management mechanism implemented by BMC played a crucial role in mitigating the situation and bringing Mumbai back to normalcy within the shortest possible time.
However, despite such achievements, the need for coordination, well-equipped infrastructure, and skilled manpower in all areas of disaster management has been brought to the fore by these two incidents. Hence, the journey of the BMC’s Disaster Management Department has now reached a phase where it is embracing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other forms of advanced knowledge to enhance its preparedness. This transformative journey aims to augment human intelligence and expertise with technological advancements, thereby ensuring a multi-pronged and experiential approach to crisis management.
In 1993, Maharashtra witnessed a devastating earthquake centered in the Killari region of Latur district. As a result, the Government of Maharashtra decided to establish disaster control rooms in each district and municipal corporation to coordinate and facilitate effective communication among the administration during times of disasters. In 1999, BMC established a disaster management control room in the basement of its expanded headquarters building. Initially, this control room had limited manpower and resources but served the purpose of communication and coordination during emergencies. At that time, there was not much awareness or development of scientific perspectives for identifying potential threats. In such circumstances, BMC began work on disaster management measures.
Furthermore, in 2005, Mumbai faced a catastrophic flood due to unprecedented rainfall. This unexpected celestial crisis brought Mumbai to a standstill. However, BMC and the Disaster Management Department made relentless efforts with all available resources and played a crucial role in restoring normalcy to the lives of Mumbai’s residents within 48 hours. Despite being confined to a small area of about 500 square feet, the Disaster Management Department efficiently coordinated with various agencies and carried out its tasks with utmost dedication.
However, this incident highlighted the need to further strengthen the preparedness of the Disaster Management Department.
Under BMC, the expansion of the Disaster Management Department took place in 2006. Accordingly, the manpower in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was increased and they were given the latest training. In 2016, with the aim of making this department more effective, the number of hotlines was increased, and the Maharashtra government provided over 5,000 CCTV cameras under the Mumbai Surveillance Project for direct deployment to enhance video surveillance capability.
Additionally, various state-of-the-art equipment were made available. In 2008, BMC began utilizing IT resources to deal with incidents such as terrorist attacks, bomb blasts, landslides, fires, and building collapses that pose a threat to public safety. Through the use of information technology, the foundation of essential information databases for prohibition, mitigation, and preparedness was established. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) became the basis for this information system.
GIS made possible the availability of information on various tools, resources, and manpower for handling disasters that occur in specific locations. As a result, it became possible to make effective decisions, plan measures, and implement them during emergencies.
Considering past incidents and potential future crises, the decision has now been made to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage disasters. Through this medium, the city of Mumbai will be able to plan disaster management based on an assessment of various potential threats. The estimation of various disasters will be done in advance through AI and machine learning. The analysis of these estimates using scientific methods will allow timely decision-making and reduce the risk of potential disasters.
To manage various disasters and implement preparedness and mitigation plans, the municipal corporation plays a coordinating role as the nodal agency under the Disaster Management Act 2005. A systematic approach has been adopted to ensure a reliable methodology, making it easier to engage with all related systems. Focus is not only on the systems. Public awareness, training, and public participation have also been given due attention by the municipal corporation. Initiatives have been continuously undertaken to educate citizens and students about disasters. In this regard, under BMC, the City Disaster Management Training Center has been established in Parel. This four-story building houses a 150-capacity 3D theater, training rooms, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and other amenities.
Currently, several important development projects such as the Coastal Road, are underway in Mumbai, focusing on essential infrastructure. These projects aim to ensure sustainable development and minimize potential risks by adhering to all regulations of the Indian Standard 1893 about earthquake resistant structures.
The city of Mumbai is expanding not only horizontally but also vertically. Therefore, fire safety measures, including the installation of fire suppression systems, have been made mandatory in tall buildings to prevent incidents such as loss of life and financial damage. Additionally, every six months, each building must undergo a fire safety inspection and the self-declaration must be submitted on the BMC portal. To enforce these measures, all buildings are required to comply with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2009.
Considering the heavy monsoon rain and high tide situations there is a need for proper planning to address the issue. Consequently, initiatives have been taken to drain flood water and implement solutions based on geographical considerations. BMC is always prepared for such situations.
BMC has taken initiatives to rejuvenate all rivers flowing in Mumbai. Protection walls have been constructed to ensure the safety of citizens residing along the banks of rivers and nallas. Regular maintenance of these water bodies are carried out to maintain cleanliness by removing silt, garbage, and waste. In certain areas, underground water storage tanks have been built to increase the capacity of storing water, allowing the collection of millions of liters of flood water. Pumping stations have been built in different parts of Mumbai to facilitate quick drainage of excess rainwater into the sea.
In terms of disaster management, BMC has implemented various measures to ensure preparedness. Regardless of the severity of any emergency situation, our duty is to safeguard the lives and financial well-being of the residents of Mumbai. I take great pride in the fact that BMC is always ready to fulfill this responsibility, even in times of crisis.
Maharashtra
Bomb threat to blow up Mumbai Bandra BKC Passport Office; no suspicious objects or explosives found during search; alert issued in area

Mumbai: Bandra BKC has been rocked by a bomb threat. A panic has erupted in the area after an email was received stating that 19 cyanide bombs have been planted in the passport office in Mumbai’s BKC. The police immediately received the information about this email and the bomb disposal and bomb disposal teams reached the spot. A panic has erupted after a bomb threat was received at the passport office in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The threat was given through an email. A threat was made to plant 19 bombs filled with cyanide in the passport office and toilets. There was panic after the email was received. The threatening email said that the bombs would explode at 1.30 pm today. As soon as the information about this threatening email was received, the police and the bomb disposal squad reached the spot. The entire area has been evacuated and the bomb squad searched but nothing was found. Therefore, the police are taking details of the email through which the threat was sent. Mumbai Police is investigating the entire matter in depth.
Threatening mails on three email IDs
On Wednesday, the passport office in BKC received three threatening emails. In which 19 cyanide bombs kept in the passport office and toilets were threatened to explode at 1.30 pm. The threatening mails were received on the email addresses Sourav_biswas21@hotmail.com, rpo.mumbai@mea.gov.in and rpo.mumbai@cpo.gov.in. After this, the security agencies and the Mumbai Police were immediately informed. On receiving the information, the security agencies started immediate action. Senior officers of the BKC police station, an ATS team and officers of Unit 8 immediately reached the spot. They took control of the entire area and started investigation.
Citizens urged to be vigilant
The bomb disposal and bomb disposal team conducted a thorough inspection of the lobby of the passport office, the main entrance, the entrance and exit routes, the trees and bushes in the area and all the surrounding areas as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, they did not find anything suspicious or objectionable in this inspection. Still, the police, taking the matter seriously, have appealed to the citizens to be vigilant. They have also been asked to immediately inform the police if they see anything suspicious anywhere.
Fake threatening emails are also often sent. Such fake emails create an atmosphere of fear. To prevent this, the cyber police have started collecting more information about email IDs. The security personnel of the passport office have also been instructed to be vigilant and follow security standards.
Maharashtra
Mumbai embraces everyone, keeping Mumbai clean and beautiful is everyone’s responsibility: Actor Akshay Kumar

Mumbai: is a city that embraces crores of citizens. Therefore, the responsibility of keeping this city clean and beautiful lies with every resident and every citizen here. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration is making continuous efforts for cleanliness. However, the efforts of the administration alone are not enough. Citizens need to take the initiative themselves. Because, public cleanliness is a social duty, actor Padma Shri Akshay Kumar has made this appeal. To keep the area of Mumbai (Mumbai city and suburbs) clean and beautiful, the Solid Waste Management Department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation has organized the ‘Mumbai Clean League’ competition. Registration for this competition began today (March 17, 2026) at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters in the presence of actor Padma Shri Shri.
MLA Amit Sattam, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Gadi, Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, Chairman of the Standing Committee Prabhakar Shinde, Chairperson of the Education Committee Rajeshree Shravadkar, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar etc. were present on the occasion. Akshay Kumar further said that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is constantly trying to keep Mumbai clean. As citizens, we should be more positive about this and take an active part in it. To increase public participation in public cleanliness and highlight its importance, a ‘Mumbai Clean League’ competition has been organized. Celebrities from the fields of film, sports etc. will participate in it along with various institutions. He also said that this will create a competitive environment and help maintain cleanliness. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said on the occasion that various steps are being taken and various activities are being implemented in Mumbai by the Solid Waste Management Department of the Municipal Corporation in relation to public cleanliness. In this context, the ‘Mumbai Clean League’ competition has been organized to ensure cleanliness in Mumbai and increase the participation of citizens. These competitions will be held in various categories including Clean Administrative Division (Corporate Servant Group), Clean Administrative Division (Ward), Clean Residential Complex, Clean Slum Area, Clean Commercial Establishment, Clean Hospital (Government and Private), Clean Restaurant (Restaurant, CC Road), Clean Restaurant. Clean Parks and Open Spaces, Clean Market and Adoption of the Surrounding Area for Cleaning.
Meanwhile, the registration process for this competition has started from today (March 17, 2026). Citizens or institutions can register for the competition by visiting the link https://sba.mcgm.gov.in/bmc/ or by scanning the QR code circulated through social media, media, Public Awareness Board. Gagrani also said that to ensure fair and transparent competition, the evaluation of each registered establishment can be viewed on the website in real time.
In the Clean Administrative Division (Municipal Servant Group) category, a prize fund of Rs. 1 crore, Rs. 75 lakh for the first position and Rs. 50 lakh for the third position and in the Clean Administrative Division (Ward) category, a prize fund of Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh will be given. In the Clean Residential Complex category, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh, Rs. 30 lakh will be given. In the Clean Slum Area category, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean Commercial Establishment, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean Hospital (Government and Private), a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean School (Government and Private), a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean Canteen, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean Community Toilet, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakhs, Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 30 lakhs will be given. In the category of Clean Road/Pathway, a prize fund of Rs. 15 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, Rs 30 lakh will be given. The first prize in the Clean Park and Open Space category is Rs 15 lakh, the second prize is Rs 10 lakh, the third prize is Rs 5 lakh. The first prize in the Clean Market Area category is Rs 15 lakh, the second prize is Rs 10 lakh, the third prize is Rs 5 lakh. While the first prize for the special category of adopting the surrounding area for cleanliness is Rs 15 lakh, the second prize is Rs 10 lakh, the third prize is Rs 5 lakh. The entire competition will be evaluated by a third-party organization.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Action will be taken against illegal hawkers and hotels in Kurla, BMC warns of registering FIRs against hawkers, police ready for effective action

Mumbai: Once again, the Hindu Sangha protested in Kurla area demanding strict action against illegal hawkers, after which the BMC will now register a case against such hawkers who have been repeatedly found occupying the road and footpath or have interfered in the action. To make the action against hawkers more effective, the police and BMCL L ward should take joint action. The residents of Kurla are facing a lot of problems due to hawkers, after which an important meeting was held in L ward in which DMC Sarshagar made it clear that action will be taken against illegal encroachments along with clearing Kurla of hawkers.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Dhanaji Herlekar said that in order to make further progress in the operation that was going on in the limits of L Ward Kurla in January, an FIR will now be registered for effective action. On the complaint of BMC, the police will now register a case in this matter. In this meeting, Kurla Senior Police Inspector Rukas Mehmkar has assured all possible cooperation in the operation. Earlier, the Sakal Hindu Samaj also tried to give a communal and religious color to the hawkers and hawkers. Along with this, action has also been demanded against the illegal Iftar party in the market and the unauthorized Iftar party on the road. Not only this, there is also a demand to remove the temporary prayer shed in the market, on which BMC officers have assured necessary action.
The BMC has now taken action against the illegal encroachment on footpaths in Kurla, and Assistant Municipal Commissioner Dhanaji Herlekar has made it clear that action will also be taken against the hotels that have encroached on roads and footpaths. This action will be taken in collaboration with the traffic police and police personnel. After the assurance of the BMC, the Circle Hindu Samaj ended its protest. BJP leader Rupesh Pawar has said that hotels have occupied the footpath from Kurla Sahara Hotel to LBS Marg. There is a traffic problem here. There are five hospitals at the same location. If a patient is in a critical condition, it is difficult to reach the hospital. Many patients have also died in this. Therefore, action is also necessary against those hotels that do business on the footpath. This is why the citizens of Kurla are worried about the footpath and if the BMC relaxes the action on this, the protest will intensify further. Hindskal has warned the BMC that if action is not taken against illegal businesses and hawkers, the protest will intensify further.
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