Mumbai: The BMC has faced heavy criticism for being unprepared during the flood-like situation that consumed the city at the first instance of rainfall on June 19. However, data available with the Free Press Journal points that the four pumping stations of Mumbai averted a grave flood-like situation in the city on those two days. In all, 21 pumps were functioning from the four pumping stations of Mumbai – Lovegrove, Cleveland Bunder, Haji Ali and Irla pumping stations. They flushed out about 7,290 million litres (ML) of water on June 19 and 20. Mumbai saw 283 mm of rainfall on June 19 that brought the entire city to standstill. The 21 pumps flushed out 4,891 million litres of water from the city.
An official from the Storm Water Drains (SWD) department pointed out that Mumbai would have been completely submerged in rainwater had the four pumping stations not worked properly. He said, “Contrary to the understanding that Mumbai flooded on June 19, we can say it was saved. We averted a major disaster.” He attributed the flood-like condition to very heavy rainfall combined with high tide on both days, asserting that all mechanisms to prevent flooding were functioning perfectly.
Similarly, all four stations pumped out 2,399 ML water on June 20th. The official stated that had the pumps not worked correctly, the situation would have worsened. He said, “Just to get a sense of the gravity of figures, they can be compared to the 3,300 ML water consumed by Mumbai daily. Accumulated flood water on the first day was more than this figure.” The committee set up by BMC chief Ajoy Mehta to probe into what led to flood-like situation in Mumbai after the rainfall of June 19 and 20, is due to submit it inquiry report in a day or two.
