The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reduced the number of dewatering pumps from 482 to 417 for the upcoming monsoon season. Officials say the drop is due to recent improvements and expansion in the city’s stormwater drainage system.
To ensure uninterrupted functioning during heavy rains, BMC has instructed field engineers to prepare backup diesel generator sets and mobile pumping units. These measures aim to prevent pump failure and minimize waterlogging.
Mumbai relies heavily on its drainage pumping stations, especially in low-lying areas where water accumulates quickly. Many parts of the city lie below sea level. The pumps are designed to lift and discharge rainwater into nearby rivers, drains, or the sea, helping to prevent flooding.
“Last year, we deployed 482 dewatering pumps across 386 waterlogging spots in the city,” said a BMC official. “This year, because of network upgrades, only 417 pumps are needed. We are committed to keeping all pump systems and their backups fully functional.”
As part of the city’s pre-monsoon efforts, desilting operations are in progress across major rivers and canals. On Saturday, Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar visited several desilting sites in the western suburbs. His inspection included the Vakola River, SNDT Canal, Oshiwara River, Piramal Canal in Goregaon, and Ramchandra Nullah in Malad.
The visit began at the Vakola River, which flows into the Mithi River. Authorities have installed 11 sluice gates along the Vakola stretch to help control water flow during rains.
Last monsoon, a pump failure in the Golipada area caused significant waterlogging. In response, Commissioner Bangar directed officials to equip 12 pumps in that zone with on-board diesel generators. He also ordered mobile pumps to be kept ready with minimal response time for emergencies.
