Mumbai races to clear drains as monsoon looms over the city
Mumbai’s civic body has made steady progress in cleaning the city’s drainage systems before the monsoon. The BMC reports 96% completion of nullas desilting across the city, while work on the Mithi River has reached 69%. Officials now aim to push the river’s desilting to 75% within the coming week. Last year, desilting of the Mithi River stood at just 70% by this time. This season, the BMC has prioritised 20 key outfalls along the river to improve water flow and reduce flooding risks. A second round of desilting at these critical points will start on June 1.
To further prepare for heavy rains, all dewatering pumps were activated on May 15. The move ensures they are ready to prevent waterlogging once the monsoon arrives. Authorities remain focused on completing the remaining work before the season’s first downpours.
The BMC’s efforts have already cleared most of Mumbai’s nullas, with the Mithi River’s desilting nearing three-quarters completion. The upcoming second phase and operational pumps aim to minimise flooding during the monsoon. Officials continue monitoring progress to meet their targets.
