Bombay HC: Citizens Also Responsible For Mumbai Waterlogging

The Bombay High Court has stated that citizens of Mumbai are equally responsible for the city's chronic monsoon waterlogging, and it is not just the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) fault. This observation was made by a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad on Tuesday while hearing the BMC's interim application.

The BMC had sought directions to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to hand over land required to widen a road at Mandala village on the Sion-Trombay stretch. Senior Advocate Milind Sathe, appearing for the BMC, submitted that the civic body had already removed encroachments from its portion of the existing 30-foot-wide road and felled around 192 trees for the project. However, the remaining land required to widen the road to 50 feet belongs to the DAE.

During the hearing, Justice Ghuge remarked that the city's flooding could not be blamed solely on the civic body. He stated that people routinely encroach on public land and choke drains, leading to flooding after even short spells of rain. The judge also referred to encroachments outside the High Court, where footpaths had been occupied by photocopy kiosks, tea stalls, and juice vendors.

The Bench also criticised people for invoking legal safeguards only after demolition action begins. Justice Ghuge said that when the corporation comes for demolition, people suddenly remember the law, but when they grab the land, nobody reads the law. The Court issued notice to the DAE on the BMC's plea, observing that the department would have to take a decision on providing the additional land required for widening the road.

The issue of waterlogging in Mumbai is a longstanding problem that affects commuters and residents alike. The Court's observation highlights the need for citizens to take responsibility for their actions and not just blame the BMC for the problem. The widening of the road at Mandala village is expected to help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the risk of waterlogging in the area.

The matter will be heard later this month, and the DAE is expected to take a decision on providing the additional land required for the project. In the meantime, citizens can take steps to help prevent waterlogging by not encroaching on public land and keeping drains clear. The BMC can also take measures to prevent encroachments and ensure that public infrastructure is not misused.

The Court's observation is a reminder that the problem of waterlogging in Mumbai is a complex issue that requires a collective effort to solve. By taking responsibility for their actions and working together, citizens and the BMC can help reduce the risk of waterlogging and make the city a better place to live.

The BMC's efforts to widen the road at Mandala village are part of a larger effort to improve the city's infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion. The project is expected to benefit commuters and residents in the area, and the Court's observation highlights the need for citizens to support such efforts by taking responsibility for their actions.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's observation that citizens are equally responsible for Mumbai's waterlogging problem is a timely reminder of the need for collective action to solve this complex issue. By working together and taking responsibility for their actions, citizens and the BMC can help reduce the risk of waterlogging and make the city a better place to live.