Mumbai could face 26//7 type floods again, says report

There was a possibility of a flood-like situation occurring in the low-lying areas of the city, the Maharashtra government told the state Legislative Council today, citing a study report.

In his written reply to a question raised by an NCP legislator about the possibility of a July 26, 2005, type flood striking Mumbai again, State Environment Minister Sanjay Deotale informed the House that The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) had warned about a possible recurrence in its primary report submitted to the state government.

After TERI submits its final report, its recommendations would be sent to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for action to be taken, Deotale said.

He said that BMC's report on completion of works prior to the monsoon had mentioned desilting and widening of nullahs, desilting of the Mithi river and increasing of the capacity of nullahs among the measures designed to stave of floods.