Heavy rain returned to Mumbai late Sunday night and continued into Monday, leaving residents of Kranti Nagar once again in fear of severe waterlogging. Just a few weeks ago, the entire area was submerged after the Mithi river overflowed, causing heavy damage to homes, televisions, washing machines, electrical appliances, and groceries. Residents told mid-day that they urgently need to be relocated.
Kranti Nagar has around 1500 houses. Of these, 1200 families have already been shifted, but nearly 300 families still live there, residents claimed. Locals fear further devastation if the Mithi river floods again. During the last flood, the river’s water level rose above four metres. Residents also reported that several abandoned houses collapsed on Sunday due to heavy rain. Most of the remaining structures are dangerously dilapidated.
(From left) Ganesh Malwankar, Krishna Sabne, and Ankit Sahu express fear as dilapidated houses collapse in Kranti Nagar. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Sachin Bhosale, who runs a TV repair shop inside Kranti Nagar, said, “I am still living in fear, so I kept all televisions above the floor after the rain started on Sunday night. It was very heavy, and parts of the houses collapsed again. In the last flood, I suffered a loss of nearly Rs 70,000 after many TVs were damaged in the water. I had to compensate customers from my own pocket. We must be shifted as soon as possible to save our lives and livelihoods.”
Another resident, Nutan Ajay Chavan, added, “I have been living in Kranti Nagar for many years. My house is in a dangerous condition and could collapse at any time. Since Sunday night, we have been scared that if the Mithi River overflows again, our area will be flooded once more. We urgently need to be relocated.”
Resident Ashok Ghorpade says his house flooded during Sunday’s downpour while he was at work
Residents Ganesh Malwankar, Krishna Sabne, and Ankit Sahu also shared their fears, “On Monday night, a nearby house partially collapsed. We rushed to the spot and were terrified. Many snakes and even pythons have been seen roaming the area since the rain began. We should be shifted immediately.”
Another resident, Ashok Ghorpade, said, “On Sunday night, water entered my house while I was on night duty. When I returned, I had to clean the entire place. The water level wasn’t too high, so I avoided major losses this time. But I am still scared — if the rain gets heavier, my house will flood again. I am a daily wage worker and cannot afford such losses anymore. We must be moved out of this area.”
