Rapid urbanisation leads to water clogging: BMC Commissioner

Mumbai, Jun 9 (UNI) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Jairaj Phatak today said with rapid urbanisation, depleting open spaces, high tides and heavy rainfall were some of the causes that were leading to water clogging in many parts of the city.

Addressing the mediapersons here, Mr Phatak said the growing urbanisation had led to depletion of open spaces in Mumbai, which earlier used to hold extra water. Now, due to heavy rains and high tides, the water flows into the Sea, which does not accept extra water, leading to water clogging in the metropolis.

''Rains more than 30-40 mm with high tides on New Moon days result in water clogging, which was evident in the first week of June. The high tides will continue in July and August also,'' he said.

The Commissioner said ''The Corporation will have to be careful on these days.'' Mr Phatak said since 1975, it was evident that more than 75 mm of rainfall in a single day would result in water clogging and flooding, which can be reduced due to better drainage facilities.

He added that the city would face water clogging and flooding when high tides and heavy rains are simultaneous, but the corporation will drain out the water quickly.

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