Ahead of monsoon, Maharashtra govt looks at solutions to avoid landslides

A retaining wall collapsed on a slum in Mahul during a landslide, killing 19 people, on July 18, last year. File pic

With the monsoon approaching fast, government authorities are looking at effective solutions, apart from retaining walls, to avoid landslide incidents in the city. The state government currently has provision of funds to construct retaining walls, but in view of last year's Mahul tragedy where a retaining wall collapsed on a slum killing 19 people, suggestions have been made to include other remedial works under the fund too.

As per the recent disaster management meeting at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters, the city has 249 hilly spots that are prone to landslide, of which 74 are dangerous to very dangerous. Of these, 47 are under priority I (very dangerous) and the rest are under priority II (dangerous), according to a detailed survey conducted three years ago. Most of these areas are in eastern suburbs such as Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Mahul, Kurla, etc. The civic body is set to send notices to all 249 spots to vacate the spots immediately.

"Though the spots are in Mumbai, they are not under BMC jurisdiction. Most of these are under the jurisdiction of the forest department, PWD or MHADA," said an official who was present at the meeting. The official added, "The fund from the state comes only for construction of retaining walls. So it has been discussed to submit a detailed project report to include such remedies for landslide-prone areas."

Another official said, "Last year the landslide in Mahul occurred despite the retaining wall. The stones and trees came down heavily, leading to wall collapse. So it is clear that retaining walls alone cannot be the only solution. Removal of loose stones, pruning of trees, forestation, opening of weep holes and maintenance of the walls are also important measures which require funds." During the 2019 Malad reservoir wall tragedy, it was noticed that the weeping holes were closed by the slum dwellers. In view of this, a committee has been proposed to look into the matter and prepare a report on remedial measures and the funds needed for the same.

Mumbai reports several landslide incidents every year with a total of 140 incidents since 2013. While the annual number remained around 10 till 2015, it saw a sharp rise in 2016 with 23 incidents. There were massive casualties due to landslides in 2000 and 2005. On July 12, 2000, 67 people were killed when more than 100 huts were crushed in a landslide at Azadnagar in Ghatkopar. Another 78 people died in Sakinaka in the July 26, 2005 rain. In a similar incident at Antop Hill, five people died in 2013.