As Mumbai edges deeper into its monsoon season, the city’s disaster management system is on high alert with a fresh threat looming over its coastal zones. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a critical advisory warning residents of high tide events expected to last five consecutive days, from June 24 to 28. During this period, tidal waves are forecasted to rise above 4.5 metres — reaching a seasonal peak of 4.75 metres on June 26.
These tides are not uncommon during the monsoon, but their increasing frequency and intensity raise deeper questions about the preparedness of coastal megacities in the face of climate variability and urban vulnerability. The BMC has advised residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to avoid seafronts and follow all civic safety instructions. Officials have further cautioned that if these tides coincide with heavy downpours — an increasing likelihood in recent years — the flooding impact could be severe. Civic authorities have confirmed that 19 days of high tide are forecasted between June and September this year. These phenomena occur annually, but their growing height and impact mirror a disturbing trend — one that points to the intersection of changing sea levels and extreme weather events triggered by climate change. For Mumbai, a city with over 149 kilometres of coastline and large clusters of informal settlements hugging the shore, even a slight shift in sea behaviour can translate into catastrophic consequences.
A senior BMC official from the disaster management department explained that the city’s drainage systems are designed to discharge rainwater effectively — but only when outflow into the sea is possible. “During high tide, floodgates are automatically closed to prevent seawater from entering the city. But when high tides overlap with heavy rainfall, waterlogging becomes inevitable as the city cannot drain the accumulated rainwater,” the official said. “This phenomenon is the primary reason for chronic flooding in neighbourhoods like Dharavi, Kurla, and parts of Andheri during the monsoon.” Wave heights are expected to reach 4.59 metres on June 24 at 11:15 AM, gradually increasing to 4.71 metres on June 25 and peaking at 4.75 metres on June 26 at 12:55 PM. Tides will remain high on June 27 and 28, reaching 4.73 metres and 4.64 metres respectively. These tides are projected during peak midday hours — a time when footfall around the city’s promenades like Marine Drive, Carter Road, and Juhu Beach tends to spike. The civic body has urged residents to avoid visiting these locations and has directed the Mumbai Police and local ward offices to deploy additional patrolling units for public safety.
Commercial establishments and residential societies in low-lying zones have been issued advisories to inspect their stormwater outflow systems, maintain backup pumping equipment, and stay in regular contact with BMC control rooms. Flood-prone pockets across the city have also been marked for pre-emptive surveillance, with additional dewatering pumps and sandbags positioned as precautionary measures. The rising wave activity isn’t just a local concern — it is part of a broader climate trend. According to coastal experts, sea-level rise combined with urban infrastructure challenges is compounding risks for Mumbai’s sustainability. While Mumbai has invested in measures like underground stormwater tunnels and coastal road projects to manage monsoon overflow, experts argue these interventions must now incorporate climate-resilient strategies. “This is not just an engineering challenge anymore. Mumbai must future-proof its city planning to account for higher tides, more intense rainfall, and the reality of denser coastal populations,” noted an urban climate researcher affiliated with a leading coastal resilience think tank.
The impact of high tides is not evenly distributed. Slum clusters and informal settlements, often built without proper drainage infrastructure, face the brunt of flooding. In recent years, such areas have witnessed higher rates of waterborne diseases, displacement, and economic loss during prolonged inundation. Addressing the recurring challenges requires a coordinated approach that includes community awareness, investment in green infrastructure, and institutional accountability. On a policy level, civic authorities have assured that updated disaster response protocols are in place. Real-time tide alerts are being communicated through mobile SMS, public loudspeakers, and social media channels. “The early warning system has been scaled up significantly this year. Residents will receive location-specific advisories depending on the threat level in their area,” said another official from Mumbai’s emergency operations cell.
However, the challenge remains one of behaviour and habit. Despite repeated warnings, residents are often seen thronging seafronts during turbulent weather — either for spectacle or out of disregard for advisories. Civic bodies, therefore, continue to emphasise the importance of citizen cooperation as a key line of defence against natural hazards. The upcoming high tide spell is a timely reminder of the delicate balance coastal cities must maintain between urban ambition and environmental vulnerability. As sea behaviour grows more erratic and rainfall patterns shift, the onus is on both authorities and citizens to stay vigilant and responsive. While Mumbai’s infrastructure is evolving, its vulnerability remains pronounced. Planning for the future cannot be limited to flood control mechanisms alone. It must extend to sustainable housing, decentralised drainage systems, and a deep integration of ecological safeguards — so that monsoon, a lifeline for the subcontinent, does not turn into a calamity for its financial capital.
For now, all eyes are on the week ahead. With tides poised to swell, the city’s resilience will once again be tested — not only by nature, but by how responsibly its citizens and institutions respond.
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