New Delhi: Heavy monsoon showers battered Mumbai and its suburbs on Wednesday, once again causing waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruptions to the city’s suburban railway services. Several parts of the city recorded exceptionally high rainfall within 24 hours, with Malvani receiving around 340 mm and Parel close behind with 334 mm.
The weather department has forecast continued moderate to heavy rainfall across the city in the coming days, keeping authorities on alert.
As residents struggled with flooded roads and delayed transport services, the political debate over Mumbai’s infrastructure preparedness intensified.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP led Mahayuti government of prioritising political manoeuvring over governance and civic development. He alleged that crucial infrastructure projects aimed at reducing flooding had been neglected despite recommendations made by the previous administration.
Thackeray argued that Mumbai, being a coastal city, requires stronger flood mitigation measures, including additional rainwater storage systems, upgraded pumping stations and wider stormwater drains. He claimed that earlier investments in such projects had helped vulnerable areas remain flood free during previous monsoons.
According to the Worli MLA, the existing infrastructure is no longer being operated effectively, resulting in recurring flooding despite systems already being in place.
Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar also criticised the civic administration, saying the city appeared inadequately prepared for the heavy rainfall. He questioned the functioning of the civic body and stressed that governance and public services should take priority over political battles and party defections.
The criticism comes as Mumbai once again faces the annual challenge of balancing rapid urban growth with the demands of an intense monsoon season.
