As the monsoon season approaches, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is facing significant challenges in its efforts to prevent flooding in various parts of the city. The primary concern revolves around the desilting of 11 crucial holding ponds, a task currently hampered by legal complexities related to mangrove conservation.Â
These holding ponds, initially constructed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) during the 1970s, play a vital role in the city’s flood management strategy. Positioned as buffers between the stormwater drains and the creek, these ponds collect stormwater during heavy rains, releasing it after the high tide recedes, there by mitigating the risk of flooding. However, over the years, silt accumulation in these ponds has led to the growth of mangroves, complicating their maintenance and effectiveness.
The NMMC’s initiative to desilt these ponds has been stalled due to difficulties in obtaining the necessary permissions from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). The enforcement of the Mangrove Conservation Act since 2005 has placed stringent restrictions on activities in mangrove areas, including the crucial desilting operations of these ponds. This regulatory hurdle has left the NMMC in a precarious position as the onset of the monsoon draws near. The strategic importance of these holding ponds, which are based on Dutch water management technology, cannot be overstated. CIDCO’s foresight in constructing these ponds was to ensure that the natural flow of water during high tides would be contained within these reservoirs, preventing inundation of residential areas. However, the current legal impasse threatens this safeguard, raising the spectre of significant flooding in Navi Mumbai.
To mitigate this impending crisis, the NMMC has been actively seeking the necessary approvals to proceed with the desilting operations. The civic body has emphasised the urgency of the situation, pointing out that failure to clear the silt and manage the mangrove growth in these ponds could result in severe flooding, causing extensive damage to property and disrupting the lives of residents. Considering these challenges, the NMMC is exploring alternative measures to address the potential flood risk while continuing to engage with the MCZMA for a resolution that balances environmental conservation with the city’s flood management needs. The corporation is also appealing to higher authorities for expedited permissions and support in this critical endeavour.
As the monsoon season approaches, the residents of Navi Mumbai remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to the bureaucratic hurdles that stand in the way of their safety. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the city can avert the flood risks posed by the delayed desilting efforts. This ongoing situation underscores the complex interplay between urban development, environmental conservation, and disaster management, highlighting the need for a balanced and proactive approach to urban planning and regulatory compliance.
