Mumbai rain: Both houses of Maharashtra legislature adjourned

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra assembly and council sessions were adjourned on Monday because heavy rains in Mumbai and other parts of the state prevented several legislators and officials from reaching the legislature complex.
The high precipitation led to disruptions in transportation and significant delays in various public services.
The Maharashtra assembly assembled at 11 a.m., when Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar brought up the issues faced by the city's residents due to the incessant rainfall.He criticized the lack of pre-monsoon preparedness, despite substantial financial allocations.
"There is no quorum as well. I am adjourning the House till 1 p.m.," said assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar.
He noted that Mumbai recorded 300 mm of rainfall overnight and that many members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and ministers had not yet arrived at the legislature complex.
When the assembly reconvened, Narwekar observed that the legislature staff needed to return home, and several MLAs and ministers were still unable to attend the session.
He further informed about the high tide scheduled for 1:27 p.m.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided detailed information on the rainfall received in different districts.
“Sindhudurg district recorded 216.5 mm rainfall (in 24 hours) and added that 374 persons have been rescued and shifted to safer places.” Raigad district received 95.6 mm of rain. In Mumbai, Colaba recorded 93.8 mm while Santacruz saw 266.9 mm of rainfall.
Public transport was severely affected. "The Sion-Kurla railway track was under water, and there was flooding in Chunabhatti area, which affected the Harbour Line suburban services," said Fadnavis.
He further noted that Central Line services experienced delays, and the fast line operations were particularly affected by flooding at Nahur.
The Mahalaxmi Express was halted at Ambernath, and in Thane, some long-distance trains were terminated.
The Western Railway suburban services faced a delay of 15 minutes. Fadnavis also noted that a forecast of heavy rains had led to the issuance of an 'orange' alert in coastal areas. He stated that flooding often occurs in Mumbai when heavy rainfall coincides with high tide.
Wadettiwar requested an extension of the monsoon session, at least by a day, citing legislative work on July 12 due to council elections.
Ashish Shelar from the Bharatiya Janata Party highlighted issues with drain cleaning and desilting, indicating that contractors had not completed their responsibilities.
"There was a high tide of 4.4 meters on Monday. We all were busy with elections and contractors responsible for the cleaning and desilting of drains had a field day," Shelar said.
He demanded strict action against the contractors, pointing out that waste removed from the drains had been washed back due to the heavy rains.
Later, Narwekar officially adjourned the assembly for the day. Likewise, the legislative council was also adjourned by the deputy chairperson, Neelam Gorhe. "Due to heavy rains in various parts of the state as well as in Mumbai, several legislators and state officials could not reach Mumbai to attend the session," she said.
Gorhe directed the state government to make a statement in the Upper House on Tuesday about a hit-and-run incident that occurred in Worli.
The incident involved a woman who was tragically struck by a speeding BMW car while she was riding a two-wheeler with her husband.
Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sachin Ahir raised this issue in the House, demanding a state government response. Authorities have arrested two individuals, including a Shiv Sena leader from Palghar, in connection with this incident.