Mumbai Monsoons: How prepared is the city to tackle rains & its aftermath?

Mumbai, the heart of India's economy, faces a yearly challenge due to severe monsoons, leading to flooded roads, halted train services and more. But as always, the question appears - how ready is Mumbai to tackle the season?

As the rains approach, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Municipal Corporation of Mumbai (BMC), Maha Mumbai Metro (MMOCL), Storm Water Department (SWD), and Airport officials among others, are strengthening the at-risk areas in the state. So here's an overview of the initiatives undertaken by these authorities, in preparation for the upcoming monsoons in Mumbai.

Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the NDRF is committed to administering specialised response during natural or manmade disasters. As Maharashtra is prone to extreme climate events such as floods and landslides, NDRF Commandant Santosh Bahadur Singh has emphasised the significance of strategic pre-positioning of the team, based on the mapping of vulnerable areas. This is action is in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Maharashtra.

With 16 battalions strategically positioned nationwide, including the 5th Battalion in Sudumbare near Pune, Maharashtra and Goa are under vigilant watch.

Maha Mumbai Metro (MMOCL) in readiness for the upcoming monsoons, has flagged off a monsoon control room. This would ensure seamless services and address passenger concerns during challenging weather. Travellers on Mumbai Metro Rail and Monorail can get help from the official toll-free helpline - 1800 889 0505 / 1800 889 0808. Also, a crisis contact number, 8452905434, has been provided to contact the Monorail Control Room.

Meanwhile, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has been preparing for the upcoming monsoon season. As part of its ongoing efforts, senior officials inspected pre-monsoon activities in the eastern suburbs of the city on June 3.

Also, following last year's flooding on Marine Drive caused by small rocks blocking the rainwater outfall at Patan Jain Road, the Coastal Road Department, under the guidance of the Storm Water Department (SWD), has reinstalled tetrapods around the outfall to prevent future clogs.

Similarly, The Coastal Road Project's second phase, connecting Worli and Marine Drive, will open by June 10, with repairs addressing tunnel leakages. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport too has completed monsoon maintenance, to ensure smooth operations despite heavy rains.