Mumbai rains: BMC imposes penalty on contractors for failure to operate pumping stations

Mumbai civic body fines contractors for failing to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains, facing criticism and opposition.

After several parts of Mumbai were inundated with water due to heavy downpours, the Mumbai civic body imposed a penalty on four contractors for failing to set up the pumping machinery as per the tender conditions and not operating it at full capacity.

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a fine of ₹10 lakhs each on the operators, who were responsible for the operation of four pumping stations at Hindmata, Gandhi Market, Yellow Gate, and Chunabhatti, totalling ₹40 lakh. 

According to BMC, Mumbai recorded record rainfall in the month of May. On May 26, Mumbai received 250 mm of rainfall in many places. All the systems of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation were working in the actual work area in the backdrop of continuous heavy rains. However, it was observed that water was accumulated in the low-lying areas of Hindmata, Gandhi Market, Yellow Gate and Chunabhatti due to heavy rains.

“We found that the drainage system used to drain the rainwater was not operational with sufficient capacity. As a result, traffic was disrupted in areas like Hindmata, Gandhi Market, and the Masjid Suburban Railway Station premises. Although there was not much rain at Chunabhatti, the pumps were not working at full capacity. Taking note of this, it was decided to impose a fine on the operator,” said BMC officials. 

Earlier, in 2023, after installing these high-power pumps, BMC declared the Hindmata and Gandhi market areas as flood-free. However, the first monsoon rain in Mumbai caused the waterlogging situation in the area. This has attracted criticism from citizens as well as opposition.