Sakinaka turns into garbage filled lake after Mumbai downpour
Heavy rainfall in Mumbai has once again laid bare the city’s fragile drainage infrastructure, with Sakinaka turning into a knee-deep garbage lake, triggering widespread outrage.
A viral video circulating on social media shows rubbish floating across waterlogged roads, drawing attention to the worsening civic conditions in one of the city’s busiest localities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 62 mm of rainfall at Santacruz and 23 mm at Colaba in the 24 hours ending May 21. Despite being classified as “moderate,” the rainfall was enough to flood several areas, paralyse daily life, and expose the city’s poor waste management system. Sakinaka bore the brunt of the flooding, with visuals showing streets submerged in water mixed with garbage. A clip shared by social media handle @mumbaimatterz captioned “OMG …. This is SakiNaka…It’s a Pathetic Sight…But better than Singapore for some” has gone viral, intensifying public anger toward local authorities.
Residents criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the inadequate upkeep of drainage and delayed garbage clearance. “They throw garbage and then park their vehicles, which prevents removal,” a user commented, pointing out both civic apathy and public negligence. Another remarked, “A few years ago there was no flooding on Andheri-Kurla Road—now, even light showers flood it. What went wrong?” With high tides of 3.07 metres and 3.79 metres expected on May 22 at 6:04 AM and 6:35 PM, respectively, the situation could worsen. Low tides of 1.74 and 1.71 metres are forecast at 11:54 AM and 1:25 AM. IMD warned citizens to stay alert and anticipate further disruption. The incident has reignited debates on Mumbai’s readiness to become a “world-class smart city.” Citizens questioned rising property and road taxes despite deteriorating infrastructure. One post summed up the growing frustration: “When will we stop pretending everything is under control?”
As the monsoon approaches, Sakinaka’s ordeal serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in urban planning, waste management, and disaster preparedness.
