BMC Floats Tender For ₹13,000-Crore Mumbai Flood Mitigation Plan To Tackle Chronic Monsoon Waterlogging

Mumbai's frequent monsoon flooding is set to undergo a major transformation following the municipal corporation's tender for a ₹13,000-crore flood mitigation plan. This comprehensive project will be designed and detailed by a consultant, with the final blueprint to be executed in three stages, focusing on drainage, pumping, and overall flood management infrastructure.

The plan aims to tackle issues ranging from undersized and clogged drains to inadequate pumping capacity, poor coordination between storm-water systems, and the city's vulnerability to heavy rainfall. A primary goal is to upgrade drainage infrastructure to handle over 55 mm of rainfall per hour, while expanding pumping capacity in flood-prone areas such as Mahul and Mogra.

The project will also include the expansion of the Mithi River improvement project. Detailed flood-prone areas, waterlogging during extreme weather, and flood warnings will be mapped and reinforced. The plan goes beyond traditional infrastructure, proposing nature-based solutions such as permeable pavements, capable of absorbing a significant portion of rainfall, and underground detention tanks designed to store and gradually recharge groundwater.

Additional targets of the plan include addressing plastic waste blocking drainage systems and implementing interception systems and longitudinal nets to prevent garbage from entering storm-water channels. The tender for the consultant and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) are estimated to cost ₹110.17 crore.

The flood mitigation blueprint has been in development for over a year, with the BMC’s initial meeting with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on March 12, 2025, followed by site inspections and a proposal presentation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June. The project received in-principle clearance and was subsequently submitted to the Centre and the NDMA. The funding structure will involve 40% from the National Disaster Response Fund, 30% from the Maharashtra government, and 30% from the BMC.