The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come under intense public criticism after two incidents during the ongoing monsoon reignited concerns over the city’s preparedness to tackle flooding and deteriorating road conditions. Social media users questioned the civic body’s infrastructure management after a video posted by the BMC and another showing an on-duty civic worker falling into an open drain during an inspection went viral.
The controversy began when the BMC shared a video on its official X account showing municipal workers using large road wipers to push stagnant rainwater into specially created drainage openings. While the civic body intended to highlight its flood-management efforts, the footage drew widespread criticism from residents who questioned why manual intervention was necessary if the drainage infrastructure was functioning effectively. Many users argued that properly designed road gradients and stormwater systems should naturally channel rainwater without the need for workers to clear flooded stretches manually.
Public outrage intensified after another video surfaced during Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde’s inspection of the city’s monsoon preparedness. Moments after civic officials stated that flood-control measures, pumps, and road cleaning operations were in place, a BMC worker standing near an open drain lost balance and fell into the channel before being rescued safely. The incident quickly gained attention online, with critics claiming it exposed shortcomings in civic management despite official assurances.
The debate has also renewed focus on the BMC’s financial capacity. For 2025-26, the civic body has proposed a record budget of Rs 74,427 crore, with over Rs 43,000 crore earmarked for roads, stormwater drainage, sewage infrastructure, flood-mitigation projects, bridges, tunnels, and coastal roads. The corporation also continues to invest in sanitation, healthcare, education, water supply, and public transport through financial support for BEST.
Experts note that recurring potholes and flooding are driven by inadequate drainage, heavy traffic, repeated road excavation and delayed maintenance. Several countries have addressed similar challenges by adopting porous road materials, predictive maintenance technologies, and advanced stormwater management systems that prioritise prevention over repeated repairs.
Source: Bhaskar English
