Bhubaneswar: BMC has formed five additional rapid action teams (RAT) to deal with crisis situations like waterlogging, choking of drains and flooding during monsoon. Last year, only three teams were formed, and they were provided with limited equipment. This time, BMC has provided all necessary equipment to the teams, with each group comprising four trained workmen.BMC officials said all personnel have been provided with safety harnesses and protective gear for field operation. The teams are equipped with portable pump sets, mechanical jetting machines, concrete breakers, forks and other handheld equipment, along with necessary vehicular logistics. The team will look after a total of 1,660 km of long drains in the city.BMC maintains 360 km of major drains under the works department and another 1,300 km of secondary drains, forming the city’s primary storm water drainage network.“To ensure effective monsoon preparedness and uninterrupted drainage flow, the entire network of 360 km has been divided into eight reaches and dedicated agencies have been engaged for systematic cleaning, desilting and maintenance of these drains. Each team will be attached to a private agency engaged for drain-cleaning purpose to take a quick call in response to waterlogging and urban flooding incidents,” BMC commissioner Chanchal Rana said.BMC officials said the rapid action teams will remain in a state of operational readiness and undertake prompt intervention at vulnerable locations to prevent water stagnation on major roads and adjoining areas. “Adequate manpower, machinery, equipment and logistics support have been kept in readiness to ensure real-time response and swift restoration of drainage flow during monsoon emergencies across the city,” the commissioner added.
