Mumbai: A few hours of heavy rainfall have once again brought Mumbai to a standstill, submerging the financial capital and raising critical questions about the efficacy of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The relentless downpour led to the closure of schools, disruption of train services, and severe waterlogging, leaving residents grappling with a flood-like situation. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in the city, with Mumbai recording the second highest July rainfall in a 24-hour period. This recurrent issue of waterlogging, despite substantial financial allocations, has put the BMC, Asia’s richest municipal corporation, under intense scrutiny. Despite being touted as the wealthiest municipal corporation in Asia, the BMC has faced severe backlash from Mumbai’s residents. Known for its substantial budget, which surpasses the combined budgets of eight Indian states, the BMC has struggled to address the city’s perennial drainage problems. The civic body has been under administrative rule for the past two years, following the end of the corporators’ term. Under the guidance of then Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal, the BMC presented a budget of ₹59,954 crore for the financial year 2024-25 on February 4, 2024. This budget is more significant than those of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Goa combined.
According to official data, the BMC allocated a staggering ₹284 crore for the “desilting of drains” in Mumbai. This allocation includes ₹60 crore for Mumbai city and ₹79 crore and ₹145 crore for the eastern and western suburbs, respectively. The BMC initiated the tendering process for this project in January, claiming that 37% of the work was completed by April. However, by the last week of May, the municipal corporation had not achieved even 50% of its target. While the BMC asserts that 90% of the drain cleaning work in Mumbai has been completed to date, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Mumbai has 254 km of major drains and 444 km of minor drains within its municipal limits, and the recent flooding suggests that the desilting efforts have been insufficient.
The heavy rains have once again highlighted the inadequacies of the BMC’s infrastructure and flood management strategies. Residents have expressed their frustration and disappointment, demanding accountability and immediate action from the civic authorities. The recurrent flooding and the associated disruptions to daily life underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective drainage system in Mumbai. The BMC’s inability to deliver on its promises of making Mumbai “rain ready” has sparked widespread discontent. As the city braces for more heavy showers, the focus remains on the BMC to implement sustainable and efficient solutions to prevent future flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
