Mumbai’s ₹13,000-Crore Sponge City Plan Faces Ecological Contradictions

Mumbai can become very dry and then suddenly have dangerous floods.

The government has announced a ₹13,000-crore plan to help the city absorb and move away rainwater.

The plan includes drains, ponds, plants, wetlands and special pavements that let water soak into the ground.

This is called a “sponge city” because the city is supposed to work like a sponge.

Critics say Mumbai is destroying many of the natural places that already absorb water.

These include mangroves, wetlands, forests, lakes and salt-pan lands.

They also say new concrete projects can make flooding worse by stopping water from entering the soil.

The article argues that the city should study its drainage problems more carefully and involve many experts and residents.

It also says ordinary work, such as cleaning drains and building basic sewers, should receive more attention.