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.”