Vasai: The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has sought a Rs 1,000-crore relief package from Maharashtra govt to restore civic infrastructure damaged by the devastating July floods and undertake long-term flood mitigation measures. The civic body has estimated its own infrastructure losses at Rs 28.61 crore following the unprecedented rainfall.Heavy rainfall during the first week of July triggered widespread flooding across Vasai-Virar, claiming 12 lives and causing extensive damage to residential properties and public infrastructure. The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has now prepared a comprehensive report assessing the impact of the floods.According to a flood assessment report prepared by VVCMC, floodwaters entered 18,582 houses, causing extensive damage to household belongings. The deluge also washed away roads and culverts and severely damaged sewage treatment plants (STPs), resulting in civic infrastructure losses of Rs 28.61 crore.Mayor Ajiv Patil said the civic body has submitted the report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking financial assistance not only to repair the damaged infrastructure but also to implement permanent measures to prevent similar flooding in the future.VVCMC has prepared the report and sought a Rs 1,000-crore relief package from the state govt to implement long-term measures aimed at preventing similar flood situations in the future. The proposal includes the installation of automatic sluice gates, construction of new stormwater drains and bridges, and raising the level of vulnerable roads at an estimated cost of Rs 584.45 crore. The civic body has also proposed the construction of holding ponds along Vasai Link Road and in Virar West at an estimated cost of Rs 407 crore to improve floodwater retention and drainage. In addition, VVCMC has identified 31 landslide-prone locations across the city and sought Rs 19.53 crore for slope stabilisation and other protective works.Patil said Chief Minister responded positively to the proposal and assured the civic body that the state govt would make efforts to provide the maximum possible financial assistance for the planned flood mitigation projects.
