The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai (BMC), the city's governing body, is actively working to address one of Mumbai's most pressing issues: its vast population residing in slums. Despite Mumbai being known for its high-rise buildings and vibrant financial sector, it is also home to some of the largest and most densely populated informal settlements, where an estimated 6.5 million people live in inadequate conditions, accounting for 57% of the city's total population.
Although BMC is among India's municipalities with the largest funding, the task of eradicating slums remains complex. Rapid urbanization and intricate socio-economic processes put significant strain on BMC's annual budget—which exceeds the budgets of some smaller Indian states—due to growing demand for housing and public services.
During a presentation to a BRICS media delegation visiting BMC offices, officials unveiled innovative strategies aimed at solving these problems. A central element of these efforts is the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), launched in 2022. This plan aims to transform the city into a climate-resilient and carbon-neutral entity by 2050 through a comprehensive set of adaptation and mitigation measures.
BMC states that it is developing various strategies to reduce the impact of climate change while continuing to balance urban growth with socio-economic equity. Planned programs and projects include the construction of a desalination plant in the Manori-Gorai coastal area, which will increase the city's total water supply to 4,740 megaliters per day. Furthermore, a 21-kilometer water transport tunnel connecting Yevai and Kasheli in Thane with Mulund is planned to improve water supply to the eastern suburbs.
Additionally, the corporation is undertaking the relocation of four major water pipelines as part of a slum renovation project affecting 2,200 homes. These projects are part of a broader strategy to meet the growing water demand and enhance Mumbai's overall water supply system. One BMC official noted: 'The Mumbai Climate Action Plan 2022 is a 30-year plan aimed at creating a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient Mumbai by 2050 through mitigation and adaptation strategies across six key sectors. We also have a slum area renovation process across seven islands of Mumbai.'
This large-scale initiative not only seeks to reduce the slum population but also prepares the city to confront natural disasters such as floods, extreme heat, and air pollution. The development plan includes spatial vulnerability assessments to identify high-risk communities and develop targeted response measures.
Alarming data from 1980 to 2018 shows that Mumbai has lost 40% of its green cover, 81% of open land, and 30% of water bodies, while built-up areas have increased by 66%, exacerbating risks of urban heat and flooding.
Parallel to combating climate change, BMC is modernizing road infrastructure and strengthening healthcare and beautification programs, reporting the implementation of 1,200 projects. The corporation added in its statement: 'BMC is tirelessly working to meet people's need for a high quality of life. We have participated in over 41 prestigious projects, including 450 bridges and underground drainage systems, and we are actively working on several water management projects to improve the city's water supply infrastructure.'
As part of its continued commitment to sustainable urban development, BMC intends to expand the existing road network by 800 km and introduce eco-friendly modes of transport, such as increasing the fleet of electric buses. Moreover, the city's strategy includes upgrading key historical sites, establishing five modern hospitals, five affiliated medical colleges, and 25 local clinics to improve healthcare access for residents.