Rutuj Mahendra Salunke is a scrupulous disaster management professional with a Master’s degree from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. He has participated in field-level projects for Disaster-affected areas and gained deep insights into emergency management, policymaking, remote sensing, social advocacy and conducted successful research. Rutuj has extensive experience conducting fieldwork in both urban and rural settings.
Mumbai, the busy metropolis known for its active culture and economic significance, faces recurring challenges due to natural disasters. From the annual monsoon floods and in recent years the risk of cyclones, the city and its suburban regions must continuously adapt and enhance their disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies to safeguard lives and property.
Understanding the Risks
Mumbai’s geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to a variety of natural hazards. The city’s low-lying coastal areas are prone to flooding during the monsoon season, exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems and unplanned urbanization. The suburbs, extending into hilly terrain, face landslide risks, while the entire region remains vulnerable to cyclones originating from the Arabian Sea.
Maharashtra has been grappling with severe weather conditions, experiencing triple-digit rainfall over a 24-hour period up to 24-07-2024, Wednesday morning, with continuous downpours persisting thereafter. Tamhini in Pune recorded the highest precipitation at a staggering 300mm, matching the heavy rainfall of around 300mm, which was also observed in Umerpada, Gujarat. Lonavla reported 245mm, Shirgaon 266mm, and Walvan 218mm. This deluge has significantly impacted the state’s infrastructure and daily life, necessitating urgent attention and action from authorities and residents alike.
Observing the heavy rainfall lashing the financial capital of India, Tata-owned Air India issued an advisory for passengers on Thursday. The airline warned that flights to and from Mumbai might be affected due to the severe weather. “Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement,” stated Air India in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The advisory highlighted the broader impact of the ongoing heavy rains, which have caused widespread disruptions.
One significant consequence of the relentless downpours has been the closure of the Andheri Subway in Mumbai to vehicular traffic due to severe waterlogging. This closure is part of a larger pattern of disruptions affecting several low-lying areas across the city and its suburbs. The continuous rainfall has overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to significant challenges in maintaining normalcy in daily commutes and operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings for the region, with “red” and “orange” alerts in place for the Central Maharashtra and Konkan regions until July 27. These warnings predict continued heavy to very heavy rainfall. Medha Khole, head of the weather forecasting division at IMD, explained in a report by The Times of India, “Since Tuesday, we have been receiving moderate rainfall. There is very heavy rain on the outskirts. Lavale village received 113mm in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning. From 8:30 am till 8:30 pm on Wednesday, it received 104mm. In Pune city, we’re witnessing moderate rainfall around four to five cm.”
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also been closely monitoring the situation. According to a statement from the BMC, “The Weather forecast at 8 am suggests moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs.” The forecast also indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated areas, along with occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. These conditions necessitate heightened vigilance and preparedness to mitigate the risks associated with such severe weather.
The ongoing heavy rainfall and its repercussions underscore the critical need for robust disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures in Mumbai and its suburban regions. As the city continues to face the challenges posed by natural hazards, it is imperative that authorities, communities, and individuals work together to enhance resilience and safeguard lives and property. Through a combination of infrastructure improvements, community awareness, and technological advancements, Mumbai can better navigate the impacts of extreme weather events and emerge stronger and more prepared for the future.
Proactive Measures
by Authorities&
Communities for DRR
l Local authorities have been proactive in implementing several DRR measures to mitigate these risks. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken extensive projects to improve the city’s drainage infrastructure. These efforts include the upgrading of stormwater drains and the construction of additional pumping stations to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains.
l In suburban areas, the focus has been on landslide prevention. The BMC, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), has identified high-risk zones and initiated slope stabilization projects. These projects involve the installation of retaining walls and the planting of vegetation to reduce soil erosion.
l A key component of effective DRR is community involvement. Authorities have launched awareness campaigns to educate residents about disaster preparedness and response. These campaigns include information on emergency evacuation routes, the importance of maintaining personal emergency kits, and guidelines for building safer homes.
l Mumbai’s suburban regions have also seen the establishment of community-based disaster management committees. These committees, composed of local residents, play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities within their neighbourhoods and coordinating with authorities during emergencies.
l Technological advancements are being harnessed to enhance DRR in Mumbai. The BMC has implemented a Geographic Information System for better urban planning and disaster management. This system helps in mapping flood-prone areas, monitoring real-time weather data, and planning evacuation routes.
l Early warning systems have been improved to provide timely alerts about impending disasters. These systems use data from weather satellites and ground sensors to predict heavy rainfall, storm surges, and potential landslides, allowing authorities and residents to take precautionary measures.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Ensuring Safety Through Restricted Access
In Navi Mumbai, a city renowned for its bustling streets and vibrant life, faces unique challenges during the monsoon season. With heavy rains, certain areas become perilous, necessitating proactive measures by local authorities to safeguard residents. A pivotal aspect of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Mumbai involves preventing civilian access to dangerous zones, a strategy underscored by recent incidents.
Last year, a tragic event brought the importance of such measures into sharp focus. Harsh Gautam, a 13-year-old boy from Kharghar, drowned at Pandavkada waterfall after deciding to swim despite not being a strong swimmer. His friends, alarmed by his struggle, alerted his family, prompting swift action from the police and the Kharghar fire brigade. A dedicated search operation continued into the night, but it was only the next morning that Harsh’s body was recovered. The Kharghar police registered a case of sudden death and launched a thorough investigation.
This heartbreaking incident revealed that the police had previously issued warnings against entering such hazardous areas, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rains exacerbate the dangers. Despite these warnings, many individuals, especially youths, continued to venture into the waterfall area, leading to preventable accidents. This negligence highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
In direct response to this incident, authorities implemented a complete ban on civilian entry to Pandavkada waterfall as part of a broader disaster risk reduction strategy. The decision was aimed at safeguarding lives by preventing access to hazardous areas during the monsoon season. The ban served as a critical benchmark, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety warnings and the role of enforcement in mitigating disaster risks.
There were many such accidents happening here, prompting the authorities to create a poster displaying these incidents to inform the public about the risks. This visual reminder aims to dissuade people from entering the hazardous area by highlighting the real dangers involved. The warning photograph is given in the article here:
The authorities took immediate and stringent actions to ensure public safety. Access to Pandavkada waterfall was entirely prohibited, and security was significantly heightened. CRPF jawans, along with police officers, were deployed at all entry points to the waterfall, effectively sealing off the area. These measures were not only to enforce the ban but also to deter individuals from attempting to access the dangerous site. The increased presence of security personnel has played a crucial role in mitigating potential disasters and ensuring that no more lives are lost to the treacherous conditions of the waterfall during the monsoon season.
The authorities took immediate and stringent actions to ensure public safety. Access to Pandavkada waterfall was entirely prohibited, and security was significantly heightened. CRPF jawans, along with police officers, were deployed at all entry points to the waterfall, effectively sealing off the area. These measures were not only to enforce the ban but also to deter individuals from attempting to access the dangerous site. The increased presence of security personnel has played a crucial role in mitigating potential disasters and ensuring that no more lives are lost to the treacherous conditions of the waterfall during the monsoon season.
This decisive action by the authorities underscores the importance of adhering to safety warnings and respecting measures put in place for public protection. The tragic loss of Harsh Gautam serves as a sober reminder of the dangers that arise when such warnings are ignored. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement and the community, it is hoped that further tragedies can be averted, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to the area.
Mumbai’s approach to DRR, through restricting access to dangerous areas, highlights the city’s commitment to protecting its inhabitants. The implementation of such measures, backed by vigilant enforcement, is crucial in reducing the risk of disaster and safeguarding lives during the monsoon season.
Thane District’s Dynamic Measures for Monsoon Safety
A few monsoons ago, Maharashtra’s Thane district administration took significant strides to protect public well-being by banning gatherings near waterfalls, lakes, and dams during the rainy season. This decision, announced by District Collector Rajesh Narvekar, was a proactive step to prevent accidents at water bodies, which can become hazardous during heavy rains. The order, issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the Epidemic Act, and the Disaster Management Act, aimed to mitigate risks associated with these natural sites during the monsoon.
The designated areas where gatherings were banned included popular spots such as Yeoor, Kalwa, Mumbra, Retibunder, Gaimukh, and the Uttan seashore in Thane taluka. The order also explicitly prohibited assemblies at Siddhaghad hills, Sonale Ganpati, Harishchandragad, Barvi dam, Padale dam, and Malshej Ghat in Murbad, as well as Kamba, Khadavali, Titwala river, Ganeshghat in Kalyan taluka, and Nadi Naka and Ganeshpuri river side in Bhiwandi. These locations, known for their scenic beauty, attract numerous visitors, especially during the monsoon season. However, increased water flow and slippery conditions posed significant hazards. By restricting access to these areas, the administration aimed to prevent incidents similar to past tragedies where individuals had lost their lives due to the unpredictable nature of water bodies during heavy rains.
In addition to these restrictions, the Thane Municipal Corporation established a ward committee specifically for addressing monsoon-related accidents. This committee coordinated efforts to respond swiftly and efficiently to any emergencies arising from heavy rainfall. Such a committee underscored the seriousness with which the local government approached the monsoon season, ensuring adequate resources and personnel were available to handle any potential crises.
Dr. Bhausaheb Dangde, CEO of the Thane Zilla Parishad, directed all taluka-level officials in the district to remain vigilant in anticipation of the expected heavy rains. This directive emphasized the importance of preparedness at all administrative levels, ensuring every part of the district was equipped to deal with the challenges posed by the monsoon. The proactive stance taken by the Thane district administration served as a model for other regions facing similar climatic conditions, highlighting the importance of preventive measures in safeguarding public health and safety during the monsoon season.
Thane’s comprehensive approach to monsoon safety exemplified a commitment to disaster risk reduction, setting a benchmark for other districts in India. By prioritizing public safety and preparedness, Thane paved the way for a safer monsoon season, demonstrating the critical role of preventive measures in disaster management.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these efforts, several challenges remain. Rapid urbanization continues to put pressure on Mumbai’s infrastructure, and informal settlements often lack basic amenities and disaster-resilient structures. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving urban planners, policymakers, and the community.
Moving forward, it is crucial to integrate DRR into the broader framework of sustainable development. Investments in resilient infrastructure, stricter enforcement of building codes, and the promotion of green spaces can significantly reduce disaster risks. Furthermore, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience among residents will ensure that Mumbai and its suburban regions can withstand and recover from natural disasters more effectively.
Disaster risk reduction in Mumbai and its suburban regions is an ongoing process that demands continuous innovation, community participation, and strong governance. By building on current efforts and addressing existing challenges, Mumbai can set a benchmark for urban resilience and disaster preparedness, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of natural calamities.
