Mumbai Boosts Drainage to Fight Heavy Rains
BMC Plans Big Changes After Recent Floods
Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to upgrade the city’s drainage system. This decision follows severe flooding caused by heavy rains.
Why Upgrade Now?
- Recent rains overwhelmed the current drainage system.
- On May 26, some areas experienced over 100mm of rain in just one hour.
- Many parts of South Mumbai faced severe flooding.
Current System’s Weaknesses
The city’s main drains are old, built during British times. They were designed to handle only 25mm of rain per hour. After the major floods in 2005, some upgrades were made. However, the system can still only handle 55mm of rain per hour.
What’s the Plan?
- BMC aims to increase drainage capacity to 120mm per hour in low-lying areas.
- They will start by widening drains in the most flood-prone spots.
- New data shows heavy rains are becoming more frequent, making these upgrades crucial.
New Problem Areas Found
The recent rains also revealed new flooding spots. Out of 120 waterlogging spots found in May, nearly 80 were new. This shows that the city’s drainage needs are evolving.
What’s Next?
The BMC is reviewing the plans. They aim to start the upgrades soon, before the next monsoon season. This will help protect the city better during heavy rains.
