June 13, 2025: In response to recent intense downpours that overwhelmed Mumbai’s stormwater drainage network, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated plans to significantly enhance the city’s drainage capacity, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone areas.
The civic body is now considering upgrading the system to handle rainfall of up to 120mm per hour—more than double the current capacity of 55mm per hour. This urgent proposal follows a severe rain event on 26 May, when Nariman Point recorded an alarming 104mm of rainfall in just one hour. Other parts of South Mumbai experienced similar deluges, with 86mm at the A Ward Office, 80mm at the Municipal Head Office in Fort, 67mm at Grant Road Eye Hospital, 63mm at Malabar Hill, and 61mm at Nana Chowk’s D Ward.
Mumbai’s existing stormwater infrastructure, much of it dating back to the British era, was originally designed to manage just 25mm/hour. Post the catastrophic July 2005 floods, the Chitale Committee recommended raising the system’s capacity to 50mm/hour. Over the years, this was incrementally increased to 55mm/hour through a phased widening programme—but officials now admit this is no longer sufficient.
A senior BMC official remarked, “The drain width will have to be increased, particularly in vulnerable areas, to safeguard large populations. Rainfall data from the past six years clearly indicates a rising trend in high-intensity storms.”
The BMC’s forthcoming drainage overhaul is expected to include wider channels, improved water outflow systems, and targeted upgrades in flood hotspots. As climate change brings more frequent extreme weather events, city planners acknowledge that a resilient and adaptive drainage system is critical to protecting Mumbai’s residents and infrastucture.
Source: Times Of India
