Me and Monsoon

NEGI RK Thursday, August 20, 2020

Me and Monsoon

Mumbai has always been known for its monsoons which always ends up flooding some of the prime areas of India’s financial capital.

The biggest cause of water logging this year is the large-scale development of the Metro network in the city, for which roads have been dug up and diversions are everywhere. While the Lokhandwala-Vikhroli-Kanjurmarg Metro Line 6 has narrowed the Lokhandwala Road, the roads in Andheri East are in similar conditions as the construction of Metro Line 7 is in full throttle.
To be prepared for the monsoon ahead, the Mumbai Traffic Police has identified 215 locations in 34 traffic divisions, leading to 145 traffic diversions. This includes areas such as Byculla, Colaba, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Santacruz, Sahar, Malad and Pydhonie. Towing vehicles, tow boats, JCB machines have also been kept on standby in these locations. Also, the police have prepared a time table from June to September 2019, identifying the days and timings of high tide. Around 167 swimmers have been roped in for help at the time of crisis.

With monsoon comes leakages in the roof, dampness on walls, dirt and dullness. AMA Design Solution CEO, Mithun S Sheth, shares some tips to make your home monsoon-ready:

Check for open wirings and deck up the wires properly within the electricity boxes, to avoid being electrocuted. Also, make sure the wall on which the electricity box is mounted, is free of any water seepage.
Furniture usually tends to soak up the atmospheric moisture, so it is advisable to water-proof your furniture by covering it with water-proofing sealants.
To avoid the carpets from being ruined, keep them rolled in a plastic wrap to use in the next season.
Check for any blockage in the drainage pipes beforehand and make sure they are clean and unclogged.
Pay extra attention to kitchen hygiene. Monsoons are when pests and termites grow and lurk around in the moist, dark corners of your house.
Change your linens every week or every alternate week to avoid the moisture being trapped in them and to keep them fresh and clean.