Mumbai witnessed widespread flooding after an intense spell of rain between the night of 25 May and the morning of 26 May, with 59 newly flooded spots reported—many in areas not historically prone to waterlogging. The deluge paralysed prominent parts of South Mumbai, including Fort, Colaba, Dongri, and Byculla, raising fresh concerns about the city’s stormwater infrastructure and its readiness in the face of climate-driven weather changes.
Civic data revealed 22 new flood-prone areas in A Ward (Fort–Colaba), 21 in B Ward (Dongri), and several more in C, D, and E Wards. Key commercial and administrative hubs like Metro Cinema junction, Churchgate Station, DN Road, and Mantralaya were submerged. Notably, these zones remained relatively unaffected even during the infamous 2005 floods—underscoring a worsening drainage situation.
While municipal officials cited a high tide coinciding with the downpour as a key factor, experts argue this does not fully explain the widespread flooding. Neglected desilting work, clogged drains, construction debris, and plastic waste have overwhelmed the century-old drainage system. Only 417 dewatering pumps were operational this year—down from 482—with many reportedly non-functional.
Blocked inlets near Azad and Oval Maidans and delays in monsoon preparedness worsened water stagnation. In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched urgent clean-up operations in 57 severely affected locations and instructed all wards to clear debris by 15 June.
However, urban planners warn that these stopgap efforts are insufficient. Without structural investment in green infrastructure, real-time flood mapping, and public engagement in water management, Mumbai may continue facing intensified flooding. As rainfall becomes more erratic, experts stress that the city must adopt decentralised, data-driven and climate-resilient urban planning—before the next downpour becomes a disaster.
Source: Urban Acres
