Would ask BMC to frame policy for time-bound cleaning of

Under fire for waterlogging in Mumbai following a heavy downpour, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Tuesday he would ask the civic body to frame a "time-bound" policy for cleaning of nullahs (drains).

Speaking in the state Assembly, he, however, blamed encroachment along and over the channels and rivers which carry floodwaters out to the sea.

Earlier, opposition leaders including NCP's Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil took the government to task over deaths due to rain-related incidents and rail and road traffic in the city coming to a halt Monday and Tuesday.

"I will ask the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) to come out with a time-bound policy for cleaning and maintenance of nullas," Fadnavis said.

"There are two major issues - encroachment over nullas and growth of mangroves at the mouth of nullas where they enter the sea, which obstructs a smooth flow of water," he said.

"I have seen several times that MLAs approach me requesting to go slow on ...