Mumbai enjoys season's highest tides amid heavy security

The city witnessed the season's highest tides so far yesterday at 1.27 pm. Despite several warnings issued by the BMC, city folk were seen enjoying the rain and the tides as they lashed against shores.

Photo feature: Witness the drama the waves brought with themu00a0

Mumbai's famous Juhu Chowpatty witnessed the highest tide - 4.95 metres high - in the afternoon. Police officials, fire engines and ambulances were seen near the entrance. Even though the tides rose high and crashed against the shores, people were seen enjoying themselves despite the risk involved.

Life's a beach: Coastguards and volunteers from the National Defence Academy at Aksa beach; people enjoying the tides at Worli Seaface

"Though I have to catch a flight in a couple of hours, the wonderful weather forced me to stop and capture a few moments so that I can take them back as memories," said Tapan Datta from Chhattisgarh, who was in the city on business.

The notorious Aksa beach was also heavily guarded by volunteers from the National Defence Academy. The beach had several boards, cautioning people against entering the beach. While no one was allowed to enter the beach, revellers managed to enjoy the sight from a distance.

"We are here since 11.30 am and will be there till 7.30 pm. We are not allowing anyone to enter in the beach to avoid accidents," said Praveen Chavan, a lifeguard at Aksa beach.

Another favourite spot during the season, Worli Seaface, saw large numbers of people from different parts of the city gather to enjoy the rains and the bhutta. Traffic police prevented people from parking their vehicles on the road and the steps leading to the sea were also blocked.

218.6 mm Rainfall recorded in Colaba in past 24 hours

215.6 mm Rainfall recorded in Santacruz in past 24 hours

Voices
I had come here to enjoy the weather with my family but the officials didn't allow us to go on the beach. We are a little upset but such measures are essential for people's safety as these waves are quite big.
-- Rajesh Jain, Kandivli

I have come to Mumbai for the first time. I came for an interview and thought the weather was perfect to be here. Since I was free, I came to the beach to enjoying the lovely rains and waves.
-- Mahendra Singh, Delhi