Mumbai Urged to Plan for Climate Resilience

Mumbai’s approach to climate resilience is under scrutiny as experts advocate for a long-term strategic overhaul to address the city’s vulnerability to climate change.

During a recent panel discussion hosted by Mumbai First, speakers underscored the urgency of adopting forward-thinking plans to combat the impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. The event highlighted the Netherlands’ advanced water management strategies as a model for Mumbai. With 26% of its land area below sea level, including key cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, the Netherlands has implemented a range of innovative flood prevention measures since the catastrophic floods of 1995 and 1997.

These include Delta Works and the Room for the River programme, which have been pivotal in managing flood risks and adapting to rising sea levels. While the Dutch model offers valuable insights, Maharashtra’s senior officials acknowledge that replicating these strategies in Mumbai is challenging due to the city’s unique topography. Mumbai’s eastern areas are protected by mangroves and creeks, while the western regions are more exposed, with many of the city’s marginalised communities residing along vulnerable coastal zones.

The Divisional Commissioner of Konkan stressed the necessity for a long-term planning approach to enhance Mumbai’s resilience. He highlighted that the city’s exposure to climate risks demands strategies that extend beyond short-term political cycles. The focus should be on creating robust plans that anticipate future conditions over the next 40 to 50 years. The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) is developing GIS modelling to aid in long-term urban planning. This initiative aims to provide the data and tools required for effective climate adaptation strategies.