THE DISSOLUTION OF MUMBAI HARBOUR

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During my time at CEPT, I developed an unusual habit—using Google Maps’ street view feature to explore public spaces, parks, and terrains. One day, I decided to explore Mumbai through the same lens. As the map loaded, the first image that appeared was a satellite view, showcasing the funnel-shaped Mumbai Harbour separating the island city from the mainland. But something felt amiss.

Where was the blue of the Harbour’s water? Why did a major portion of Mumbai Harbour appear brown instead of blue? This piqued my interest and after a little pondering and extensive research I realized that the climax of deforestation, soil erosion, urbanization, reclamation from mangroves, construction of sea walls, etc. had amplified at an alarming rate and were silting the Mumbai Harbour. This realization inspired me to write: ‘The Dissolution of Mumbai Harbour’.

This category, ‘The Dissolution of Mumbai Harbour’, is a series of articles that sheds light on the alarming issue of harbour silting and the various factors accelerating this process, using Mumbai Harbour as a case study. Through this series, I examine how unchecked urbanization, deforestation, land reclamation, and infrastructure development have disrupted the natural balance of coastal ecosystems, leading to an unprecedented accumulation of silt in the harbour. I also delve into the environmental consequences of this phenomenon ranging from declining water quality and loss of marine biodiversity to increased vulnerability to flooding and navigation challenges for vessels. By tracing the historical evolution of Mumbai’s coastline and analyzing contemporary urban interventions, this series seeks to highlight the urgent need for sustainable coastal management practices.

Ultimately, The Dissolution of Mumbai Harbour aims to spark a conversation on how port cities can grow without compromising their natural landscapes, emphasizing the delicate relationship between urban expansion and ecological preservation.