Mumbai's existing drainage system is no longer adequate to handle the intense rainfall events driven by climate change, according to an urban planning expert. The city relies heavily on a network designed for far lower rainfall intensities than what is now being experienced.
Outdated Drainage Network
The expert highlighted that the current infrastructure is a colonial-era legacy, built to manage average rainfall intensities that have been significantly surpassed in recent years. With climate change leading to more frequent and severe downpours, the system frequently gets overwhelmed, causing widespread waterlogging and disruption.
Call for Blue-Green Infrastructure
The solution, the expert argues, lies in restoring and expanding Mumbai's blue-green infrastructure. This includes reviving natural water bodies, increasing green cover, and creating permeable surfaces that can absorb rainwater. Such measures can help manage stormwater more effectively and reduce the burden on the engineered drainage system.
Watershed Planning Approach
Additionally, the expert advocates for adopting a watershed planning approach for the entire Mumbai metropolitan region. This would involve managing water resources at a catchment level, considering the entire hydrological cycle, and integrating land use and water management. This holistic strategy can enhance resilience to both floods and water scarcity.
The call comes as Mumbai faces increasing flood risks due to rapid urbanization and climate change. The expert emphasized that piecemeal solutions are insufficient and that a comprehensive, long-term plan is urgently needed.
