Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has criticised the BJP-led government following widespread waterlogging across Mumbai after intense rainfall, accusing the administration of neglecting urban infrastructure and long-term flood management measures.
His comments came as heavy overnight showers inundated several parts of Mumbai and neighbouring regions, disrupting traffic, affecting daily commuters, and causing water accumulation in multiple low-lying areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued weather alerts for Mumbai and surrounding districts, warning of continued rainfall.
Taking to X, the Worli MLA argued that the recurring flooding highlights the need for stronger governance and infrastructure planning. “Another reminder to the government to focus on governance instead of only focusing on dirty politics. Rainwater Holding Tanks: Mumbai needs to be a sponge city: in 2018-19, through the BMC, we started working on rainwater holding tanks that will prevent waterlogging in typical spots. This is needed for a coastal city like ours, along with Pumping Stations and increasing the diameter of the Storm Water Drains, as the next step,” said Aaditya Thackeray.
He maintained that rainwater holding tanks, improved pumping infrastructure, and larger stormwater drains are essential to reducing flooding in vulnerable parts of the city.
Referring to initiatives undertaken during the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led administration in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thackeray cited projects at Hindmata and Milan Subway as examples of successful flood mitigation efforts.
“From 2020 to 2022, we proved its worth by making them at Hind Mata/ Gandhi Market and Milan Subway. What’s worse is that they don’t even operate the pumps and holding tanks at Hind Mata properly anymore to ensure it remains flood-free, despite the system being in place!! Over the next 4 years, this bjp regime has drained the BMC of its funds, but hasn’t made a single rainwater holding tank!,” he added.
Thackeray also questioned the government’s progress on the proposed desalination project, stating, “It has not even pushed ahead with our project of desalination, only now it speaks of it. Now it speaks of it again. So technically neither has the BJP regime made any city of Maharashtra monsoon-ready, in case of heavy rains, nor has it made our cities self-reliant in the situation of less rains. Who does the regime work for, apart from its favoured builders and contractors?”
Meanwhile, Mumbai witnessed significant waterlogging in several areas, including the Andheri subway, which was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to flooding. While train services largely continued without major disruptions, the latest spell of heavy rain has once again reignited debate over Mumbai’s preparedness for extreme weather events and recurring urban flooding.
Source: Mid-day
