20 years ago, the city of Mumbai was hit with one of the most devastating floods of the country. On 26th July 2005, there were numerous low-lying areas of the city that observed an increase in the water levels and caused multiple system breakdowns in the city, killing nearly 1094 people. 20 years later, on 26th May 2025, the city witnessed a 16 days early onset of the Southwest monsoon and recorded a total rainfall 295 mm in the month of May which is the highest since 1918. This case study takes a deeper look at 6 different reasons why Mumbai has seen to be facing major water level issues every year and other hazards of 26th May, 2025 Source: Instagram/ @my_bmc 1. The Drainage System of Mumbai One of the key reasons of water logging in multiple low-lying regions of Mumbai is the drainage system of Mumbai. Initially, built in the year 1860 by the British, the drainage was designed to suffice 25 mm rainfall per hour during low tides. The drainage system was later updated and changed post-independence to cater to increasing rainfall in the city. Although, the core drainage system still remains the same. Along with that, other reason like rapid urbanization, deforestation and land reclamation projects have also reduced the city natural ability to absorb the rain water. 2. The History & Geography of the city A lesser-known fact is that the Mumbai was built as a collection of 7 independent islands brought together over the course of several years through land reclamation projects. This has resulted in many low-lying regions that get most affected due to heavy rains every monsoon season. Moreover, the stormwater drains and the pumping station take time to significantly pump out the excess water which, in the meanwhile easily submerges these areas with water in no time causing transportation issues and increasing the risk to public. 3. Increasing levels of rainfalls in recent years For the last few years, Mumbai has been experiencing major changes in monsoon patterns as compared to earlier. In addition to that, this year, the monsoon season has arrived nearly 16 days earlier than the anticipated date of June 11 by the weather department. This also marks the earliest occurring monsoon recorded for the city since 2001. Another major reason for urban flooding occurring each year is because of the erroneous urbanization with respect to the topography of the region. 4. Pre- Monsoon Preparations The Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has warned the BMC officials over nullah (drain) cleaning work to be completed by June 7 and has mentioned strict actions to be taken against the officials who miss their deadline. It is evident that the preparedness of the administration and municipal authorities are also falling short for maintaining the pre-existent drainage system of the city. Additionally, there is a surge in the politics over the BRIMSTOWAD project while Ministers like Ashish Shelar have blamed Shiv Sena (UBT) for the incomplete project and looting the public. 5. Incomplete Drainage Projects After the 2005 Mumbai floods that killed nearly 1094 people, the BRIMSTOWAD project was launched. This project aimed at renovating the 19th century drainage system of Mumbai. The BRIMSTOWAD project, that could have resulted in major additions in the stormwater bearing capacity of the drainage system has been delayed and yet not completed, causing major issues to common Mumbaikars. 6. Underground Metro Project On 26th May, 3:40 PM, the operations of the newly inaugurated Metro line 3 (underground metro line) between Acharya Atre chowk and Worli were suspended by the officials due to heavy rains and flooding. The 33 km long underground metro line that stretches from Colaba- BKC- Aarey JVLR has been facing considerable backlash on construction quality and the preparedness for the monsoon season. There are also major concerns raised about the construction of an underground metro station in the low-lying regions of Mumbai. This metro line was inaugurated just 18 days ago and faced a water ingress at the Acharya Atre Chowk stations because of the collapse of a reinforced cement wall. Lastly, after 20 years of facing heavy flooding in the for nearly 3 days on 26th July 2005, the city of Mumbai still shows underwhelming preparedness and progress for the monsoon season each year. Along with that, the concerns regarding citizens safety are still high as the water-logging situation only proves to worsen with every passing year. The coastline city of Mumbai that is said to ‘never sleep or stop’ does come to a major halt each year due to massive water-logging and heavy rains causing issues in multiple areas and system failures that mostly affect the life of a common Mumbaikar the most.
05 Jun 2025
Akshat Jain
