Seeing the positive response, the civic body is only too happy to claim that the massive awareness campaigns held over the years have led to increased participation from people. “This year, we have received an overwhelming response from volunteers offering to help us with various disaster management activities. There is an increased level of awareness in the community who realise that real change can happen only with active participation,” said deputy chief officer, disaster management cell, Mahesh Narvekar.

The volunteers in their respective wards have taken care of numerous pre and post monsoon work ranging from nullah cleaning, preparations for rescue operations during flooding, post-showers clean up and also giving medical care to those affected by floods. A case in point is fifty-five year old SD Koltekar, a member of the Siddhivinayak Kalakari Mandal, operating from K-east ward (Jogeshwari-East). He said, “The nullah cleaning is the most important pre-monsoon exercise. Our volunteers went to all the low-lying areas, especially chawls, and made sure that the nullahs have been cleaned,” said Koltekar.

For Kirti Ajmera (51), from the Lions Club, providing essential medicines during floods is a way to fulfill his social responsibility. “Supplying essential medicines and helping victims is a cause of concern during crisis. So we decided to pitch in there,” said Ajmera.

To avoid any untoward incident in his area, Ajmera has been training young volunteers to tackle the situation besides stocking essential medicines. “This is our way to give back something to the society. The civic body cannot keep an eye on every nook and corner of the city. So the community preparedness is the best in times like these,” said Ajmera.

Sharing Ajmera’s view is Prakash Chalke (53), whose main aim is to keep his slum area in Sewri (F-south ward) clean. According to this former factory labourer, the Hindustan nullah which passes through Sewri is notorious for creating major floods every monsoon. “We, along with BMC workers, remove the silt from inside the drains. During monsoon, we will use nets to remove floating garbage from the dirty water and ensure there is no long-lasting clogging,” Chalke added. Though Chalke admits he is no expert, he says, “This is public work and we are fulfilling our social responsibility.”