Mumbai can’t escape flooding; live with it, says Former civic chief

It will flood in Mumbai during the monsoon, live with it. Former civic chief Dr Jairaj Phatak has this message for Mumbaikars. He has rejected the claim that there will not be flooding in Mumbai as always stated by politicians. He says citizens should accept that Mumbai will flood due to its topography, as most of the city is situated below high-tide level.

Twin city Navi Mumbai on the other hand, has holding ponds that save it from flooding, but these are not possible in Mumbai. Citizens should accept that Mumbai will flood because of the city's geography and changing patterns in rain. It is not possible to stop all civil work and concentrate finances on tackling the flooding issue which happens just 3-4 days a year," the former civic chief said while talking to mid-day.

According to Dr Jairaj Phatak, such scenes in the monsoon are here to stay. File pic/Sameer Markande

"Most parts of the city are under the high tide line. A city like this can witness waterlogging. Also, 100 per cent of rainwater drains into the sea from Mumbai. During the high tide this is not possible so it flows back into the city. There is also a change in the pattern of monsoon. If 10 per cent of the average annual rainfall in a day falls in a city, not only Mumbai, but any other city can face waterlogging. A road near Delhi airport faces waterlogging even in 50 mm rain," Phatak added.

Coping mechanisms important

He said on average Mumbai receives 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm rainfall annually. Asked how even in 100 MM rainfall Mumbai faced waterlogging in several places, Pathak explained, "It is possible if we understand the intensity of rain. If the 100 mm rainfall is in an hour or in 2 hours there will be waterlogging. But how quickly the city recovers from the situation with measures to tackle it is what is needed. At Delhi airport an elevated road was constructed. Similarly at Milan subway, flyovers were constructed, which help keep a continuous flow of traffic. The waterlogging at Milan subway now doesn't affect the traffic."

Dr Jairaj Phatak, former civic chief

Asked about BMC's claim that Andheri subway flooded due to floating materials, Phatak said, "This is another challenge. The city's drains are covered, and BMC is covering the drains in the suburbs. But it is not possible to cover big drains and rivers. If BMC widens drains people will throw material in them."

Construction also a factor

Phatak further said, "Even if the drains are clean, it is not possible to say the city will not witness waterlogging. Now due to construction, the amount of water seeping into the ground is reduced. This increases the stress on the drainage system. But the residents of the city help us recover from such situations as they immediately provide aid to others."

"In the Netherlands as in Navi Mumbai there are holding ponds. These were developed during the planning stage of the city. But in Mumbai, this is not possible due to lack of space. However, the BMC constructed a holding tank at Dadar which will help for some time."