It146;s better this time: Deshmukh

On the day Mumbai came to a standstill due to incessant rains, the state government did manage to get some work done8212;in the Assembly and on the ground by holding a crucial meeting of the disaster management committee.

In the House, CM Vilasrao Deshmukh said the situation was under control. 8216;8216;The situation is better this year as we are better prepared,8217;8217; he said. 8216;8216;Last year we had just 15 pumps to drain out flood water, but this year we have deployed 85 pumps.8217;8217;

As for a long-term solution, Deshmukh said the government was doing its bit. 8216;8216;This situation has not developed overnight,8217;8217; he said. 8216;8216;It is a result of so many things like population growth, encroachments and an outdated storm-water drainage system.8217;8217; At the meeting of the disaster management committee, officials not only discussed the day8217;s crisis, they also prepared for Wednesday in view of the forecast of continued showers.