Mumbai: The BMC has been addressing the issue of waterlogging in low-lying areas across the city by activating dewatering pumps in monsoon. However, it has been observed that, during heavy rains, several of these pumps malfunction, leading to waterlogging and inconvenience for citizens.
In response to this recurring challenge, the civic body has decided to procure mobile dewatering pumps this year. These mobile pumps, which can be easily relocated to areas in need, will ensure a faster and more efficient response to waterlogging issues, claims the civic officials.
The BMC activated 481 dewatering pumps in the last monsoon season, higher than 477 in 2023.
The civic body spent Rs 1.25 crore on these pumps which cover two monsoon seasons. The pumps help flush out water logged in low lying areas into the city’s drains. However, while the civic body claims it is working on arresting flooding in low lying areas and has set up pumping stations at the cost of several crores, the increase in the number of these pumps over the previous year has raised questions on the work done by the civic body.
On July 7, 2024, heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in 100 areas across Mumbai, with dewatering pumps failing to pump out the water at some places, leading to inconvenience. According to civic data, a total of 453 flood-prone spots were identified, of which 369 have already been addressed. The remaining 55 flood-prone areas will be tackled in a phased manner, with work set to begin in 2025 and continue through 2026.
A senior civic official emphasised that strict instructions have been given to contractors and ward officials to ensure all dewatering pumps are fully operational during the monsoon season. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, some pumps in chronic flood-prone areas have been deactivated, causing delays in water removal.
"To mitigate this issue, we are planning to procure mobile dewatering pumps, one or two each for all the 25 administrative wards, based on the specific requirements. These mobile pumps will be deployed in low-lying areas where the regular pumps have failed to function effectively. The tender for the procurement of these mobile pumps will be invited soon."
