With the monsoon approaching, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 386 locations across Mumbai that are prone to waterlogging. To tackle this issue, a total of 417 dewatering pumps will be required to ensure smooth drainage.
BMC Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has issued directives to keep these pumps in full working condition and to ensure backup systems are also operational. He warned that any lapses in desilting operations will lead to accountability not just for contractors, but also for responsible civic officials.
Currently, desilting work is underway in rivers and drains across the city in preparation for the rains. On Saturday, Bangar inspected several key sites, including Vakola River (Kanakia Bridge), SNDT Nalla (Gazdharbund Pumping Station), Oshiwara River (Malad), Piramal Nalla (Goregaon West), and Ramchandra Nalla (Malad West). He instructed officials in the stormwater department to apply lessons from past experiences and work to make some flood-prone areas water-free through improved measures.
In a major development, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be deployed to monitor Mumbai’s drain cleaning activities, aiming to curb irregularities and ensure transparency.
Mobile Pumping Units and Backup Generators
Vakola River, which flows into the Mithi River, has been equipped with 11 floodgates. Last year, several low-lying areas were flooded due to failure of diesel generator-powered pumps. In response, Bangar has ordered an additional generator and mobile pumping units to be kept ready as a precaution.
Mesh Installations Reduce Garbage Dumping
At locations like SNDT drain and Gazdharband, installation of iron mesh around drains has reportedly reduced garbage dumping by 90%. Bangar emphasized the need to install such fencing around drains in densely populated areas to maintain cleanliness and prevent blockages. He noted that the number of chronic waterlogging spots has come down to 11 and called for an expanded stormwater network to eliminate the remaining issues.
Ensuring Andheri Subway Stays Functional
Malad’s Irla and Mogra drains empty into the Oshiwara River. During high tide, the flow of Mogra drain is affected, leading to waterlogging in the Andheri subway. Bangar directed officials to ensure smooth traffic movement during monsoon. At Oberoi Junction in Goregaon West, where waterlogging is common, he instructed the use of the “box pushing” method for installing underground pipelines as the “open cut” method is not feasible.
