Mumbai: As the monsoon season approaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has embarked on an extensive desilting campaign targeting low-lying areas to preempt the perennial issue of spot flooding. Despite achieving nearly 100% of its annual target for nullah cleaning, the BMC acknowledges the historical inadequacy of drain maintenance during the initial heavy downpours of the monsoon.
The BMC’s strategy entails clearing drains within a 50-metre radius of identified low-lying areas across the city, aiming to bolster drainage efficiency and prevent inundation. While the presence of silt serves as a crucial indicator for drainage cleanliness, BMC officials stress the importance of not solely relying on silt quantity as the definitive measure of drain functionality.
According to a BMC official, the focus extends beyond silt removal to ensure unobstructed water flow within drain stretches. Addressing potential chokepoints and disruptions to water flow remains paramount in the BMC’s approach to drainage management. Moreover, concerted efforts are underway to clear entry points of nullahs and rivers into creeks to facilitate uninterrupted water flow.
An earlier survey conducted by the BMC identified 386 chronic flooding spots in the city. Subsequent interventions have resolved approximately 326 of these spots, with the remaining 60 awaiting mitigation efforts from BMC and other relevant agencies. Additionally, the BMC has identified 100 new flooding spots, with work initiated at 72 locations slated for completion in phases before the onset of monsoon 2025.
To address the remaining flooding spots, BMC officials are collaborating with government and private entities to formulate comprehensive mitigation plans. Moreover, proactive measures are being undertaken to address potential flooding on properties falling within government or private ownership, ensuring a coordinated approach to flood risk management.
