Mumbai's Unsustainable Growth: Chasing Economy at the Cost of Ecology
Mumbai's rapid growth comes at the cost of its ecology and sustainability, risking its future as a liveable city. Despite being a climate-sensitive city with high population density and urban inequality, the city authorities have not paid attention to its
MumbaiEcologySustainabilityClimate ChangeUrban PlanningReal Estate MaharashtraAug 05, 2024
Two decades later, Mumbai’s rivers have retaining walls to hold rainwater, stormwater drains are annually desilted, spending hundreds of crores, and water pumps have been installed at many locations to literally throw the rainwater into the Arabian Sea.
What Mumbai’s authorities have not done is pay attention to its ecology either in response to climate change-induced extreme weather or as a necessary parallel to its economy. Instead, the city lost a staggering 2,028 hectares of green cover in just five years from 2016 to 2021 for a slew of infrastructure projects. Its complex system of watercourses lies fractured.
Mumbai is a climate-sensitive city with one of the world’s highest population densities, at about 14 times the national average, and with one of the worst instances of urban inequality in India. Yet, the city authorities have not paid attention to Mumbai’s ecology either in response to climate change-induced extreme weather or as a necessary parallel to its economy.
Governance of Mumbai has to take the blame for the city’s condition. Key civic services are with the BMC, but some areas and projects are exclusively governed by autonomous bodies that have no accountability to the city’s elected body or by special purpose vehicles such as the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited where people’s voices are not represented.
The distressing economic inequality and ecological slide cannot but touch the iconic Mumbai quality of embracing strangers, making space despite the crunch, and folding in different strains of music, life, and food unto itself. That it still holds magic for so many must have something to do with its enigmatic sea breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with Mumbai's growth?
Mumbai's growth is coming at the cost of its ecology and sustainability, risking its future as a liveable city.
What is the impact of climate change on Mumbai?
Mumbai is a climate-sensitive city with high population density and urban inequality, and climate change-induced extreme weather is a major concern.
What is the role of the BMC in Mumbai's governance?
The BMC is responsible for key civic services, but some areas and projects are exclusively governed by autonomous bodies with no accountability to the city’s elected body.
What is the impact of urban inequality on Mumbai?
Mumbai has one of the worst instances of urban inequality in India, with over 54% of its population living in slums and affordable housing within city limits being a distant dream.
What is the solution to Mumbai's ecological and economic problems?
A comprehensive urban planning approach that takes into account the city's ecology, economy, and social welfare is needed to address Mumbai's problems.
Related News Articles
Rohan Builders Achieves Unparalleled Excellence with 14 Consecutive Years of CRISIL DA2+ Grading
Rohan Builders continues to maintain its prestigious DA2+ Developer Grading from CRISIL, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in financial and operational parameters.
Sebi Chief Remains Tight-Lipped on Real Estate Investment Trusts
REITs comprise a portfolio of commercial real estate assets, most of which are already leased out.
PGA of America Launches State-of-the-Art Golf Courses in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Hyderabad
AIVOT Golf & Sports Management collaborates with Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, Stonecraft Group, and Tvastar Golf to introduce PGA of America-branded golf courses in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Hyderabad, setting a new standard for golf excellence in India
Raymond Expands Real Estate Footprint with Mahim Project Deal
Raymond, in a strategic move, has signed a Joint Development Agreement for a prestigious residential project in the prime location of Mahim West, Mumbai.
Amrita Singh, Zaheer Khan Among Celebrities Investing in Mumbai's Luxury Real Estate
Amrita Singh and Zaheer Khan are among the latest celebrities making significant investments in Mumbai's luxury real estate market. Discover the trends and insights of these high-profile investments.
SP Group Raises $3.3 Billion from Five Funds to Boost Real Estate and Construction Projects
SP Group secures a significant $3.3 billion investment from five prominent funds, aimed at refinancing and expanding its real estate and construction projects. This strategic move will help the company solidify its position in the market and drive sustain