The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently disclosed findings regarding the vulnerability of Mumbai to landslides, shedding light on 74 areas prone to such natural calamities out of a total of 160 identified sections in the city.
These areas, predominantly comprising natural hillocks and elevated lands, pose significant risks, particularly during the monsoon season, prompting the civic body to undertake comprehensive measures to mitigate potential hazards. According to BMC reports, Ghatkopar emerges as the most vulnerable zone, with fifteen high-risk sections identified within the N ward alone, followed by nine in Kurla (L ward), and several others scattered across areas like Babulnath, Forjett Hill, Tardeo, Nepeansea Road, and Rajabai lane opposite Breach Candy hospital (D ward). The eastern suburbs of Mumbai bear the brunt of the vulnerability, accounting for 45 of the identified landslide-prone areas, with 16 in the island city and 13 in the western suburbs. The classification of landslide-prone areas into high, medium, and low-risk zones provides crucial insights into the potential impact on the population residing in these regions. BMC’s disaster management cell has been actively engaged in training and sensitising locals about early warning signs of landslides and necessary evacuation procedures, aiming to enhance community resilience and preparedness.
The proactive measures undertaken by BMC come in the wake of past tragedies, including the devastating landslide in Malin village, Pune district, in July 2017, which claimed numerous lives. Following inspections by the Geological Survey of India, recommendations were provided to mitigate landslide risks, prompting collaborative efforts between BMC, Mhada, and the public works department to implement necessary measures and ensure the safety of residents. Recent incidents, such as the boulder falling near a slum settlement in Valmiki Nagar, Ghatkopar, highlight the urgency of preventive actions. The timely intervention by BMC, involving the removal of hutment structures and relocation of affected residents to temporary accommodations, underscores the importance of proactive risk management strategies in averting potential disasters and safeguarding lives and livelihoods in landslide-prone areas across Mumbai.
