Mumbai's New Master Plan: Reinventing Flood Management

Mumbai is set to launch an ambitious drainage master plan to cope with increasingly severe rainfall, Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar announced Thursday. The initiative focuses on handling rainfalls exceeding 100 millimetres per hour, necessitated by frequent flood-like situations when heavy rains coincide with high tides.

Following a review of the city's current outdated stormwater systems, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will fund upgrades, Shelar revealed. These efforts include constructing four new pumping stations to enhance drainage capacity. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will receive Rs 500 crore initially for immediate flood-mitigation measures.

In consultation with experts from IIT, a detailed action plan is underway, identifying flood-prone areas for advanced infrastructure development. Integrating innovative Japanese drainage technology, the comprehensive master plan aims to significantly upgrade rainwater management across Mumbai, with completion targeted within a month.

(With inputs from agencies.)