Matunga, Wadala most vulnerable to flooding, finds MCAP analysis
MUMBAI: Areas of Matunga, Antop Hill, Wadala and Sion are likely to be the worst affected during monsoon flooding, with 66.8% of the population of the corresponding F/North administrative ward living in a 250meter radius of the flood-prone zone, the vulnerability and risk assessment conducted for Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) has revealed. It also shows that only 32% of the population of this ward is likely to have access to healthcare during a flood.
On the other hand, Malad (P/ North ward) is the least vulnerable in case of flooding, with just 15.4% of its population likely to be impacted, according to MCAP. Overall, 35% of Mumbai’s population lives within 250 meters of BMC identified flooding hotspots.
The areas of Govandi and
Mankhurd (M/East ward) are the most vulnerable from exposure to urban heat, with over 40% of its population exposed to a surface temperature greater than 35°C. The A ward corresponding to Colaba, Cuff Parade, Nariman Point and Churchgate, is likely the least vulnerable from exposure to urban heat, with only 0.92% of population impacted.
Lubaina Rangwala, the program head of the urban development and resilience team at World Resources Institute (WRI), said, “The vulnerability risk assessment is indicative and not absolute. The data shows the probability of risk and does not present it as a certainty. The idea to conduct a risk assessment was because the city needs to internalise vulnerability assessment in its planning processes. Some areas are more vulnerable than others, so while carrying out future planning, the authorities can look at which areas to densify, which to de-densify, and come up with dedicated planning interventions based on local risk factors. This also needs to be updated time and again.”
Some areas are more vulnerable, so during future planning, authorities can come up with dedicated interventions LUBAINA RANGWALA, program head of the urban development and resilience team at World Resources Institute