Mumbai to witness high tides over 4.5m expected on 22 days this monsoon season

Last year, Mumbai witnessed high tides above 4.5 metres on 18 days

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's concerns about the monsoon have increased this year as the city could witness high tides over 4.5 metres on 22 days this season. Last year Mumbai witnessed high tides above 4.5 metres on 18 days.

On Tuesday the BMC's Disaster Management Department shared the high tide dates with other civic agencies in a meeting. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Head of the city disaster management authority) Dr Sanjeev Kumar directed the Fire brigade, civic ward offices and the Disaster Management Department to be ready with a plan for these days.

"The civic authority considers high tides above 4.5 metres during monsoon serious. If it rains heavily during the high tide, it causes flooding in the city. During high tides, the BMC closes the flood gates to prevent seawater from entering the drains. At the same time if there is heavy rain in Mumbai, it will cause waterlogging," said a BMC officer.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (Head of Suburban disaster management authority) Ashwini Bhide said, "Orders have been issued to officers and ward officers to take a review of monsoon preparedness work. They were told to take necessary measures to ensure the drain of rainwater faster. They were also directed to take all necessary measures in time to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of traffic during the rainy season."

Bhide directed the authorities to take action to construct retaining walls in the areas where there is a risk of landslides. She also directed that prescribed action should be taken before the monsoon season regarding dilapidated buildings. All Central government authority representatives along with Additional Municipal Commissioner P Velrasu and suburban collector Nidhi Choudhary attended the meeting.