Thane authorities get into active mode after Shinde orders suspension of ‘non-performers’

Thane, Jul 9 (PTI) The authorities in Thane have ordered the trimming of dangerous or dried trees on priority and structural inspections of commercial hoardings and LED screens after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed the suspension of “non-performing” civic officials amid rising rain-related complaints. District Collector Srikrishna Panchal has issued a circular to all municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats across the district, directing them to carry out a host of actions, said an official release. The local bodies have been told to conduct immediate inspections and prioritise the trimming of dangerous or dried trees near schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, and other public spaces. Teams must coordinate with the state power utility, MSEDCL, to swiftly remove branches touching overhead electricity lines to prevent electrocution hazards, it said. “To safeguard public health, all government and municipal hospitals have been placed on high alert. They must ensure the adequate availability of medicines, blood stocks, doctors, and nursing staff,” the release said. High-capacity suction pumps, generators, JCBs, and cranes must remain stationed at chronically low-lying areas to address sudden flooding, it said. The district administration has also ordered structural inspection of all commercial hoardings, LED screens, welcome arches, and safety nets at construction sites. Authorities have been directed to pull down any illegal or structurally unstable billboards immediately. Meanwhile, the Thane civic body has appointed additional coordination officers and set up ward-level special teams to streamline operations, including tree-trimming, and ensure a more cohesive response to emergency alerts, a release said. During his visit to the Regional Disaster Management Cell control room here on Wednesday, Shinde, who is the Thane guardian minister, had pulled up senior officials heading the Tree Authority and the Disaster Management department over alleged delays in tree trimming, and acute staff shortages. He directed the immediate one-week suspension and transfer of “non-performing” officials. PTI COR NR