The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a public advisory warning residents to avoid Mumbai’s coastline as the city braces for four consecutive days of high tides between December 4 and 7. Tide levels along the Arabian Sea are forecast to exceed four metres, peaking at 5.03 metres on Saturday morning, with early Sunday tides expected to reach 5.01 metres.
According to BMC officials, the high tides will follow a gradual rise, starting at 4.14 metres on Friday morning, 4.17 metres on Saturday night, and touching 4.96 metres late Thursday night. On December 6, coinciding with Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s death anniversary, thousands of citizens typically visit Chaitya Bhoomi in central Mumbai. Authorities emphasised that festival attendees should exercise caution near the seafront and plan travel accordingly. The civic body’s disaster management cell is enhancing safety measures across Mumbai’s 145-kilometre shoreline, which includes 12 public beaches spanning the island city and eastern and western suburbs. “For every 100 metres of beach, a lifeguard will be stationed, with additional personnel deployed at critical points,” a BMC official said, highlighting the city’s proactive approach to preventing accidents.
Mumbai’s coastline is particularly vulnerable to high tides and storm surges during early December, a period when tidal variations can amplify risks to pedestrians, vendors, and recreational visitors. Urban planners note that dense urbanisation along the seafront, combined with heavy footfall during public holidays, increases exposure to potential accidents. Ensuring coordinated monitoring and rapid emergency response is essential for mitigating such hazards. Experts also emphasised that these tidal events underscore the importance of long-term coastal management and resilient urban planning. Measures such as public awareness campaigns, regular monitoring of tide levels, and strategically positioned lifeguards are critical to enhancing safety without disrupting recreational access. Authorities reiterated that avoiding the coastline during peak tides remains the most effective precaution.
While Mumbai’s beaches provide vital recreational and social spaces, civic authorities are urging residents to prioritise safety over leisure. By combining enhanced emergency preparedness with community awareness, Mumbai aims to safeguard citizens and tourists while reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable, risk-informed urban management. The BMC’s advisory serves as a reminder that equitable city planning involves not only infrastructure but proactive civic safety measures. Residents are encouraged to monitor local updates, follow official guidelines, and respect restricted access areas until tidal conditions normalise after December 7.
BMC Urges Citizens To Avoid Mumbai’s Coastline Amid Four Five Metre Tides Till December 7
