Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 9: With the monsoon just months away, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified efforts to make Mumbai more flood-resilient. However, the number of flood-prone locations in the city has increased by about 10% in the past year, raising concerns over preparedness.
According to BMC data cited in a report by The Indian Express, the number of identified flood-prone spots has risen from 453 last year to 498 this year. Officials said the rise does not necessarily mean all the locations are new, as some areas previously addressed have re-emerged due to factors such as encroachments that choke drainage systems.
The city’s vulnerability is also highlighted in the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, which notes that nearly 35% of Mumbai’s population lives in flood-prone zones, particularly in low-lying areas with saucer-shaped topography and inadequate drainage.
The BMC has allocated Rs 1,800 crore to the Storm Water Drains department in its 2026–27 budget, marking a 12.5% increase in funding. Of this, Rs 286.26 crore has been earmarked for the rejuvenation of the Mithi River.
Despite the increased funding, progress on the ground has been slow. Reports indicate that while 391 of the 498 flood-prone spots have been addressed, the civic body expects to resolve another 52 before the monsoon.
However, internal documents cited by Mumbai Mirror reveal that 29 chronic flooding hotspots remain stuck in planning or tendering stages.
These pending sites include several critical areas such as Gate No. 4 of Nair Hospital, where drainage augmentation work is not expected to be completed until 2028, potentially leaving the hospital vulnerable for the next two monsoon seasons.
Other major locations awaiting permanent flood mitigation measures include Nana Chowk, Saki Naka Metro Station, and the Andheri Subway and Khar Subway.
A recurring challenge in BMC’s flood management efforts is encroachments along major drains, which hinder widening and desilting work needed to improve water flow. Projects in eastern suburbs such as Mankhurd have faced delays due to such obstructions.
With the monsoon approaching, civic officials are racing to complete pending works to minimise flooding risks in India’s financial capital.