Mumbai Drowns in Garbage: Floods Expose City's Failures

Mumbai Floods Expose City's Waste Management Failures Heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, led to widespread flooding and exposed critical flaws in the city's waste management and drainage systems. Social media is awash with videos showing streets inundated with garbage and stagnant water, prompting sharp criticism of the municipal authorities. One resident, commenting on a widely shared video, stated, "It's unbelievable! We pay our taxes, yet the city is drowning in its own filth." The flooding caused significant disruption, with subway stations closed and traffic brought to a standstill. The local municipality deployed drainage machines only after the videos highlighting the crisis went viral, illustrating the power of citizen journalism in holding authorities accountable. While the immediate crisis has subsided, the incident underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and waste management practices in Mumbai. The heavy downpour caused over 60mm of rain to fall in Mumbai, leading to severe flooding in many areas. The accumulation of garbage in the drainage systems exacerbated the problem, causing streets to become impassable. Footage from residents shows cars and motorbikes struggling to navigate through the floodwaters, which were littered with plastic bags, food waste, and other debris. The situation prompted widespread criticism online, with many residents expressing their frustration and anger at the city's inadequate response. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by megacities in managing the impact of extreme weather events and the importance of effective urban planning and waste management.