Residents of Mahim have raised concerns over alleged violations by developers, claiming that cement slurry discharged from construction sites is entering stormwater drains (SWDs) and reducing their ability to carry rainwater during the monsoon. They have alleged that the clogged drains are contributing to waterlogging in the area.
A resident recently claimed to have photographed a pipe allegedly connected directly to a stormwater drain at a construction site in Mahim. The allegations surfaced days after heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the locality. Following slow water discharge on SV Road, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide announced a review of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for construction sites after ongoing works were linked to waterlogging.
With over 10,000 construction sites currently active across Mumbai, residents have questioned whether changes to the SOP alone would address the issue. Mahim resident Urich Kamath, associated with the Mumbai North District Central Forum (MNCDF), said stricter enforcement was required.
“Redevelopment is ruining Mumbai, but instead of taking strict action against non-compliant developers, the BMC is only talking about updating the SOP. Once an SOP is framed, civic officials fail to implement it on the ground,” Kamath alleged.
“We have been raising this issue for a long time, but the BMC is not acting against developers because the builder lobby is too strong. Last week’s rain inundated Mahim because developers are not following civic guidelines and stormwater drains are getting choked,” he alleged.
Pointing to the photograph of the alleged pipe connection, Kamath said, “This is alarming. Will the BMC take action against the developer?”
Under the existing civic guidelines, ready-mix concrete (RMC) vehicles are required to operate within construction premises, while sites must have soil pits to collect cement slurry before disposal. A senior civic official said limited space often resulted in RMC trucks being parked on public roads, especially in congested areas.
“The RMC vehicles cannot enter many construction sites because of congestion. A flexible pipe is connected to the truck, allowing concrete to be pumped directly into the site,” the official said.
The official added that cement slurry spilled during pumping could flow into stormwater drains during rainfall, where it hardens and affects their capacity.
“The BMC imposes penalties when dried concrete affects the surrounding air quality. We also act whenever formal complaints are received,” the official said.
Another Mahim resident, Siddhesh Todankar, alleged that developers were repeatedly violating civic rules in Mahim and Shivaji Park.
“RMC trucks are regularly parked on public roads, worsening traffic congestion. These heavy vehicles also pass through Mahim’s narrow lanes, with constant movement and incessant honking causing significant inconvenience to residents,” Todankar said.
Jay Shringarpure, President of the Environment Wing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), claimed that nearly 140 redevelopment projects were underway in Mahim and alleged that several developers were not following civic norms.
“I have complained to the BMC about developers violating civic norms, but they remain undeterred. Despite several representations, the violations continue unchecked, putting the city’s storm water drainage system and residents at risk every monsoon,” he said.
When contacted, a civic official said, “Whenever we receive a complaint, we act against non-compliant developers.”
