Mumbai: The inundation of the pedestrian underpass (PUP) beneath the Haji Ali Coastal Road due to tidal waters attracted attention on social media recently. Reports indicated that the high tide around 1 pm rendered the PUP temporarily impassable, sparking concerns among the public. Despite the water receding within two hours, the Haji Ali Dargah Trust expressed frustration over the recurring issue, highlighting ongoing efforts to address it.
A spokesperson from the BMC coastal road department clarified that the seaward side pathway near Haji Ali Dargah regularly faces submersion during high tides, leading to the waterlogging of the vehicular underpass. They emphasized that the coastal road itself is situated on the landward side. Plans for the first phase of beautification around Haji Ali include raising the height of the pathway, a project slated to be carried out by the public works department in collaboration with the harbor engineer, as it falls outside BMC’s jurisdiction. Funding for this initiative is provided by the city collector.
Regarding mitigation measures, the official explained that while the underpass level cannot be altered, steps are being taken to prevent waterlogging during monsoon season. These measures include constructing a hump at the entrance of the pedestrian underpass and installing a 1200mm pipe parallel to the pathway, directing water towards the seaside. Additionally, a pumping arrangement will be implemented at the Haji Ali outfall along the coastal road to manage water during high tides, particularly in the absence of rain.
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