Residents of Mankhurd’s Cheetah Camp, an area that was flooded following a bout of heavy rain on Sunday night, have claimed that water has begun entering homes that would witness little to no waterlogging.
“We approached our ward office, like we do every year, but received less than the bare minimum of a response. In cases where multiple complaints have been made concerning a particular lane or building, they inspect drains to check for blockages. But after they unclog the drains a bit, waterlogging keeps reoccurring,” said Asif Sayyed, a Cheetah Camp resident and local activist.
Sayyed and other residents have expressed concerns over the increased risk of waterborne diseases and breeding of mosquitoes due to waterlogging. Recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data suggests that there has been an increase in vector-borne diseases this year due to the early onset of monsoon.
A sludge-filled bylane in the area. Residents fear the stagnant water will lead to breeding of mosquitoes
A report from the BMC’s public health department’s Expanded Programme of Immunisation Cell reads, “The early onset of rain from May this year created a favourable environment for vector-borne diseases, leading to an observed increase in malaria, dengue, chikungunya and hepatitis cases in 2025, compared to 2024. A decline was noted in cases of both leptospirosis and gastroenteritis.”
A local stated that residents have been following the BMC’s suggestions, but added, “How can we comply with the civic body when water is inside our homes and on the roads? We deserve a fully functional draining system at least.”
The local said, “Water has been slowly drained away in some areas, but sludge has been left behind, and people are falling and slipping because of it. We can only clean it with water. But if it’s not getting drained, then what is the use?”
mid-day contacted the BMC to find out what steps it was taking to address the issues of Cheetah Camp residents, but didn’t receive a reply by press time.
