Before climate change sinks what mismanagement started, Mumbai must get its act right

The geographical location of India – surrounded by tropical waters at one end and Himalayas at the other end – used to be the region's forte, but not anymore. The tropical waters are warming at a fast rate, and the Himalayan glaciers are also melting rapidly.

As a result, India is witnessing a clear trend in rising sea levels, cyclones, floods, landslides, heatwaves, and droughts. This is affecting the food, water, and energy security of the region.

Sea level rise is one of the most significant consequences of climate change, and Mumbai finds itself on the frontlines of this battle. Sea level rise in the Arabian Sea is not just due to melting ice – it is largely due to thermal expansion caused by warming of the ocean – since water expands as it warms.

Mumbai At Risk

With its expansive coastline and low-lying areas, Mumbai is highly susceptible to inundation as the seas encroach further inland. The rate of sea level rise in the west coast is at 3 centimetres per decade. In centimetres this might appear like a small number. However, a 3 centimetre rise for a slope of 0.1° will take away 17 metres of land per decade. The rate of sea level rise will intensify to 5-7 centimetres per decade as global carbon emissions continue unabated.

Will Mumbai submerge by 2050? A recent study indicated that large parts of Mumbai could go under water by 2050. This is however based on satellite-based elevation data that is not calibrated over India using ground truth data at local levels.

Generally, the uncertainty of the satellite-based data over India is above 1 metre, which is larger than the estimates of sea level rise. To be certain, India needs a better evaluation of the risks that sea level rise presents, in terms of better elevation data for its coastline, and also sea level data in the Indian seas.

Based on the current rates of sea level rise, Mumbai may not submerge by 2050. However, floods that are prolonged and cover a large area will happen. Mumbai is a city which was made out of water, and some parts of it have always been at or under sea level.

The worst-case scenario might be when floods due to heavy rains and high tide come together in the future when the sea level is also high. Such “compound floods” have the potential to submerge large parts of Mumbai, at least for several days in the near future.

Considering that the Arabian Sea is becoming much more fertile in terms of cyclonic activities, we can expect frequent and intense storm surges (huge waves 5 metres high and above) as an additional factor in these compound floods of the future.

Fixing A Management Problem 

Climate change is only one side of the story. Cities of India are vulnerable to flash floods as rapid development, concretisation, and land use changes shrinks the floodplains and congest the rivers. The Bandra Kurla Complex was built over mangrove land and the Mithi river was reduced to a nallah due to roads and encroachment.

The natural defences against floods are degraded. Mumbai floods are more of a management problem due to unplanned development than a climate change problem.

We need to redesign our cities such that they are resilient to the intensifying floods. If Mumbai’s population is going to double by 2050, this will go hand-in-hand with a corresponding surge in urban development.

Any development can be an opportunity to redesign the city considering “future” climate challenges. Flood maps should be prepared based on 2070–2100 climate change projections to safeguard the city from worst-case scenarios in the future.

The city must adopt a holistic approach that combines ecosystem-based sustainable development with innovative engineering solutions and thoughtful urban planning techniques to elevate itself above the rising seas and floods. In addition to the physical infrastructure, Mumbai must also focus on the preservation and restoration of its natural ecosystems.

Mangroves and floodplains have traditionally acted as the lungs of the city, protecting it from flood water and strong winds. Protecting and expanding these coastal wetlands can significantly enhance Mumbai's resilience to sea level rise while providing safe habitats for biodiversity and marine life.

And Preparing For Extreme Events

Despite all efforts, compound floods can have devastating consequences, overwhelming existing infrastructure and emergency response systems. To confront these compound events, Mumbai needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach that integrates early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement.

Strengthening infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and implementing effective land-use planning can reduce the vulnerability of Mumbai's neighbourhoods to flooding and landslides. Simultaneously, educating and empowering communities to respond and recover from these events is crucial for resilience.

Adaptation and resilience strategies are crucial for Mumbai's survival. However, Mumbai cannot fight this battle alone. Collaboration between different stakeholders – government bodies, urban planners, architects, scientists, engineers, and community organisations – is vital to developing comprehensive strategies. Public-private partnerships can provide the necessary funding and expertise to implement innovative solutions effectively.

Mumbai stands at a critical juncture in its history. The city's future, prosperity, and even survival depend on its ability to adapt and rise above the rising seas.

Roxy Mathew Koll is a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and a lead author and reviewer of recent IPCC reports. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.