November 03, 2025: After nearly five years of delay, work has finally begun on the much-awaited pump house in Sector 8, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. The project, overseen by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), is aimed at upgrading the city’s drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding during heavy rains. The delay had been caused by the pandemic and challenges in obtaining environmental clearances.
On July 26, during a spell of heavy rain, the absence of a fully functional pump house and a holding pond had again exposed the area’s vulnerability to flooding. The new system, now being developed, will incorporate advanced pumping units installed near the holding pond and the creek. This setup will allow excess rainwater from Sector 8 and neighbouring areas to be discharged swiftly into the creek, reducing the risk of waterlogging.
According to reports, the project has been prioritised by the state leadership and will be implemented under NMMC’s supervision. Officials said that once completed, the upgraded facility will significantly improve Vashi’s drainage efficiency and mitigate monsoon-related disruptions for thousands of residents.
Residents and former municipal representatives have welcomed the commencement of work. One former councillor pointed out that clearing accumulated silt from the pond will be the next major task, as stagnant deposits have reduced its storage capacity and increased the risk of overflow during intense rainfall.
Officials confirmed that efforts are now focused on completing the work in time for the next monsoon. The operational pump house is expected to enhance the city’s flood resilience and ensure smoother water discharge, marking a crucial step toward long-term infrastructure improvement in Navi Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
