In response to a severe weather warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Maharashtra government has directed the early closure of government offices and advised private businesses to enable work-from-home arrangements. The IMD has issued a Red Alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), anticipating heavy rainfall and strong winds of 80-90 km per hour. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, acting as the Chairman of the State Disaster Management Authority, has authorized immediate preventive actions after reviewing the situation.
The circular released by the General Administration Department allows officials and employees in government offices in Brihanmumbai to leave after a half-day session for their safety. Essential service departments will manage staff deployment as needed. Private entities in the region have been urged to shift to remote work setups for the day. Additionally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued safety guidelines for construction sites due to the high wind speeds expected.
The BMC has emphasized the importance of safety measures at construction sites, warning of potential accidents due to the weather conditions. Builders, architects, surveyors, contractors, and project managers have been instructed to follow strict guidelines, including inspections of equipment and securing loose items. The civic body has mandated stability checks for cranes and hoists, with lifting operations to be halted if necessary for safety reasons.
Contractors have been reminded to enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and fall protection gear for on-site workers. The BMC has stressed the priority of ensuring the safety of laborers, residents, and citizens during the severe weather conditions. Residents in Mumbai and nearby areas have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and steer clear of flood-prone zones and construction areas as heavy rainfall is expected.
