24 June,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aaditya Thackeray. File Photo
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led administration over widespread waterlogging in Mumbai following heavy rainfall, alleging that the government had failed to prioritise civic infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation measures.
His remarks came as several parts of Mumbai and neighbouring areas witnessed severe waterlogging after intense overnight showers, disrupting traffic and affecting daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for Mumbai and adjoining districts, warning of further rainfall.
In a post on X, the Worli MLA said the recurring flooding should serve as a reminder for the government to focus on governance and urban infrastructure rather than political battles.
"Another reminder to the government to focus on governance instead of only focussing on dirty politics. Rain Water Holding Tanks: Mumbai needs to be a sponge city: in 2018-19 through the BMC we started working on rainwater holding tanks that will prevent water logging in typical spots. This is needed for a coastal city like ours, along with Pumping Stations and increasing the diameter of the Storm Water Drains, as the next step," said Aaditya Thackeray.
He argued that a combination of rainwater holding tanks, pumping stations and upgraded stormwater drainage systems would help Mumbai better manage heavy rainfall and reduce flooding in vulnerable locations.
Highlighting projects undertaken during the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led administration in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thackeray pointed to rainwater holding tanks constructed at Hind Mata and Milan Subway.
"From 2020- 2022, we proved its worth by making them at Hind Mata/ Gandhi Market and Milan Subway. What's worse, is they don't even operate the pumps and holding tanks at Hind Mata properly anymore to ensure it remains flood free, despite the system being in place!! Over the next 4 years, this bjp regime has drained the BMC of its funds, but hasn't made a single rain water holding tank!," he added.
Thackeray alleged that despite inheriting infrastructure projects designed to mitigate flooding, the current administration had failed to maintain and expand them.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also criticised the government's handling of long-term water security measures, including the proposed desalination project.
"It has not even pushed ahead with our project of desalination, only now it speaks of it. Now it speaks of it again. So technically neither has the bjp regime made any city of Maharashtra monsoon ready, in case of heavy rains, nor has it made our cities self reliant in the situation of less rains. Who does the regime work for, apart from its favoured builders and contractors?," said Thackeray.
He alleged that the state government had failed to prepare Maharashtra's cities either for excessive rainfall or for periods of water scarcity.
Mumbai received heavy rainfall throughout the night, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas across the city and suburbs. Similar conditions were reported in parts of Navi Mumbai.
The IMD issued an Orange Alert for Mumbai and nearby districts, warning of moderate to intense rainfall over Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar and Sindhudurg. Authorities advised residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel in waterlogged areas.
The broader weather alert framework placed Mumbai, its suburbs and Palghar under a red alert, while Thane remained under an orange alert. Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg were placed under a yellow alert.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, intermittent heavy rainfall continued through the morning, accompanied by cloudy skies and the possibility of lightning and thunder.
One of the most affected locations was the Andheri subway, which was closed to vehicular traffic after being inundated by rainwater.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, suburban train services remained largely unaffected. Western Railway said local train operations on major routes, including the Harbour Line and the Churchgate-Dahanu corridor, continued to run normally during the morning peak hours.
The latest spell of heavy rain has once again brought attention to Mumbai's long-standing challenges with urban flooding and the ongoing debate over the city's preparedness for extreme weather events.
