GSI Reassessment Finds Most of Mumbai's High-Risk Landslide Sites Still Vulnerable
A Geological Survey of India (GSI) reassessment of 32 highly vulnerable locations among Mumbai's 249 identified landslide-prone spots has revealed that most sites remain vulnerable and require stronger or additional mitigation measures. The findings come into sharp focus following the August 13 landslide at Ashok Nagar, which killed eight people and injured seven others.
The reassessment was carried out by GSI officers between May 4 and May 14 through field visits conducted alongside Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials. The team examined slope conditions, rock and soil distribution, drainage patterns, existing retaining and protection structures, proximity of residential settlements to hill slopes, and the risk of slope failure during extreme rainfall.
The survey also evaluated four new sites not included in earlier reviews: Tulshet Pada and an area near the water pipeline in Bhandup (West), Netaji Nagar in Kurla, and Radha Krishna Temple at Khindi Pada in Bhandup (West).
According to the GSI report, the majority of the 32 inspected locations broadly remain in the same vulnerable condition documented during a 2017-18 study. Although conditions improved at one or two spots following remedial work, several locations require modifications to existing structures alongside new interventions. The report noted that even low-vulnerability sites face residual dangers due to poor drainage, unfinished mitigation, nearby settlements, and localized unstable slopes.
GSI recommended site-specific mitigation, pre-monsoon maintenance, clearing of drainage channels, regular monitoring of weak slopes, and the relocation of exposed settlements where necessary. It also called for comprehensive geological and geotechnical investigations at multiple locations, including habitations at Vikhroli Parksite, Ghatkopar (West), the eastern slope at Surya Nagar in Vikhroli (West), Amartara Mitra Mandal at Hanuman Tekadi in Bhandup (West), Rajiv Gandhi Nagar along the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road near Pravasi Industry in Goregaon, and New Bharat Nagar at Vashi Naka in Chembur.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Avinash Dhakane, who wrote to the GSI seeking a re-survey of Ashok Nagar's Hill Number 3, stated that repeated requests have been made to slope residents to vacate, though many return shortly after moving. Dhakane noted that the civic body is working on a concrete plan. RTI activist Anil Galgali called on the BMC to enforce strict action, pointing out that emergency agencies took over 36 hours to locate missing individuals following the Ashok Nagar disaster.
