Heavy monsoon rains have hit Mumbai, causing extensive waterlogging and severe disruptions to daily life. Many roads have turned into rivers, leaving thousands of commuters struggling to reach their workplaces. A viral Instagram video by content creator Aryan Kataria captures this reality when he rows a boat along a submerged road, symbolising the challenges faced by office-goers.
The video, captioned “Only way to travel in Mumbai,” has garnered more than six million views and over three lakh likes, sharply highlighting the everyday struggle of Mumbai’s residents during the monsoon season. City officials acknowledge the problem and are working towards mitigating the distress caused by flooding.
Viral Video Reflects Mumbai’s Annual Monsoon Struggles
A content creator, posted an Instagram reel showing himself sitting in a small boat on a Mumbai street submerged under knee-deep water. Using a cricket bat as a paddle and helped by children pushing the boat, the video dramatically and humourously sums up the frustrating reality of Mumbai commuters this monsoon.
The clip quickly went viral, earning widespread praise for its relatability and creativity, while also highlighting a growing concern over the city’s infrastructure. Users on social media responded with a mix of amusement and sympathy, some joking about Mumbai transforming into Venice, while others pointed to the serious issue of waterlogging and urban flooding.
This video shines a light on the fact that while the monsoon brings life-giving rains, it also brings immense hardship for many residents forced to navigate flooded streets daily.
An Overview of Mumbai’s Monsoon and Flooding Challenges
Situated along India’s western coastline, Mumbai is especially vulnerable to monsoon flooding due to its coastal geography and dense urbanisation. Each year, heavy rains cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas due to inadequate drainage systems, disrupting transportation, affecting public health, and reducing economic productivity.
Recently, Mumbai received over 150 mm of rainfall in some areas within 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic snarls. Municipal authorities have deployed water pumps and cleaning crews to clear drains and ease flooding, but perennial issues with ageing infrastructure and encroachments compound the problem.
The monsoon season highlights the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning and investment in drainage infrastructure. Many commuters have no choice but to wade through knee-deep water or alter their routes, leading to delays and difficulties that affect daily routines and livelihoods.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian commends both the resilience and inventiveness of Mumbai’s citizens, captured poignantly in Aryan Kataria’s viral reel, as symbols of overcoming hardship with humour and hope. However, these moments also draw attention to the harsh realities of monsoon flooding that persistently challenge the city’s infrastructure and governance.
It is time for a deep reflection on urban planning, sustainable infrastructure development, and inclusive community engagement to build cities that truly support their residents through environmental challenges. Improving drainage capacity, reducing encroachments, and adopting green infrastructure measures could be vital steps.
