Bhaji Market and Nizampura Areas in Bhiwandi Hit Hard, Commuters Struggle
Thane: A heavy downpour on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, has led to severe waterlogging in the Bhaji market and Nizampura areas of Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra, severely disrupting daily life and exposing the region’s recurring monsoon challenges, as reported by the agency at 5:57 PM IST.
Widespread Flooding in Key Areas
The intense rainfall caused water to accumulate up to three feet in some parts of the Teen Batti Bhaji Market, a major vegetable market in Bhiwandi, affecting shops and homes alike. Visuals shared by the agency showed residents wading through knee-deep water, with vehicles struggling to navigate flooded streets. The nearby Kamvari River overflowed, submerging a parked bus and worsening the situation. Nizampura, another heavily impacted area, saw similar scenes, with water entering homes and stalling vehicular movement. Locals expressed frustration over the lack of intervention by the Bhiwandi Nizampura Municipal Corporation, noting that despite the area being under the Deputy Mayor’s jurisdiction, no political leaders visited the flood-affected zones to assess the damage or provide relief.
Traffic Chaos and Infrastructure Concerns
The heavy rains also caused significant traffic disruptions across Thane district. The Bhiwandi-Thane stretch, a key connector, witnessed slow-moving traffic due to waterlogging, echoing similar incidents reported in the past. Historical data indicates that Bhiwandi and Thane are particularly vulnerable to flooding, with a 2018 report by RMSI, a global natural hazard consultancy, flagging these areas as high-risk due to their location on the floodplains of the Ulhas River and Thane Creek. Despite efforts to improve drainage systems, the unchecked urban growth in the region—driven by the rise of warehouses for e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart—has exacerbated the problem. Residents have long complained that raised ground levels by builders divert floodwaters into neighboring areas, a concern that remains unaddressed by authorities.
Weather Forecast for Mumbai and Nearby Areas
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, with Thane and Mumbai under an orange alert for May 28, 2025, warning of intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. A post on X by @rushikesh_agre_ at 2:31 PM IST highlighted a heavy rain alert for Thane, Central Line, and Navi Mumbai, noting that thunderstorms had intensified, with more heavy rains expected within the hour. The IMD also predicted that light to moderate rainfall would persist in the region until June 2, raising concerns about further disruptions. Mumbai, on the same day, experienced a cloudy sky with heavy rainfall, recording a high of 31°C and a low of 24°C, as per Times of India updates. Neighboring areas like Pune also faced an orange alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected, while coastal districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg reported severe waterlogging due to the early monsoon, which arrived in Maharashtra ahead of schedule.
Public Sentiment and Calls for Action
The recurring waterlogging has sparked outrage among Bhiwandi residents, who took to social media to voice their grievances. Posts on X highlighted the lack of preparedness by the municipal corporation, with many calling for better drainage systems and stricter flood zoning regulations. The issue has also reignited debates over the state’s disaster management capabilities, especially as Thane and Bhiwandi continue to urbanize rapidly without adequate infrastructure upgrades. Environmentalists have pointed to the need for comprehensive risk mapping, a measure that remains incomplete despite the devastating floods of July 26, 2005, which submerged much of the region.