Thane civic body sends 215-member relief team to flood-hit Dahanu

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Saturday dispatched a 215-member relief and sanitation team to flood-hit Dahanu in Palghar district to assist with post-flood cleanup and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, officials said.

The team, comprising 200 sanitation workers, 10 sanitation inspectors and five deputy chief sanitation inspectors, was sent in five buses along with 10 jetting machines and specialised equipment. It will coordinate with the Dahanu Nagar Parishad to clear flood debris, remove mud and carry out disinfection once the floodwaters recede.

The initiative was launched by the TMC's Solid Waste Management Department under the theme "Swachhatchi Wari" (pilgrimage of cleanliness), coinciding with Ashadhi Ekadashi.

Heavy rainfall over the past three days has disrupted transport and damaged infrastructure across Dahanu taluka. A key state highway connecting Dahanu, Bordi, Zai and Umargam in neighbouring Gujarat was washed away at two locations near Narpad.

The Dahanu State Transport bus depot also suffered extensive damage, with six buses rendered non-operational. Diesel pumps, workshop equipment and administrative documents were damaged, while a private vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.

Fire brigade personnel have begun deep-cleaning the depot, where mud accumulated in passenger waiting areas and halls. Bus services, which were suspended for two days, are being restored in phases from Saturday, officials said.