To prevent cases of drowning this monsoon,BMC has installed 16 CCTV cameras at the citys six beaches. This is part of BMCs beach-safety plan. With a slew of other measures,the civic body is gearing up for some of the biggest high tide days this season. According to the India Meteorological Department,14 high-tide days have been predicted. Of these,a tide of almost 5 m coupled with heavy rains is expected on June 24 and 25,and July 23 and 24. We are issuing press advertisements and putting up sign boards. We have also installed 16 CCTV cameras on beaches. We want to make sure citizens do not venture too far into the sea, said Mahesh Narvekar,chief officer,disaster management,BMC. From June 22,apart from 23 lifeguards,BMC has temporarily deployed 46 fishermen living along Mumbais coast. As part of its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for beach safety,six teams of firemen and fire officials have been stationed at the beaches. The corporation has enlisted the help of National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF),and engaged 45 civil defence volunteers at its beaches. Since June 15,two teams of 45 NDRF personnel have been positioned in the city for disaster management. BMC has also requested Mumbai Police to help prevent drunk revellers attacking its lifeguards and other personnel posted at beaches.
