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Heard of the mythical submerged city of Atlantis? Turns out, without preventive measures, Mumbai and other coastal cities may submerge by the time the calendar hits 2050.
Global risk management firm RMSI has unearthed risk areas including Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, Haji Ali Dargah, Bandra-Worli Sea-Link, Western Express Highway and the Queen’s Necklace in Marine Drive.
Why we need to worry
Findings from the IPCC Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis were considered with climate change information and in-house models at RMSI. Other coastal cities like Vizag, Kochi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore also remain at risk.
With IPCC projections of sea levels increasing by 2050 in India, RMSI has flagged the higher incidence of storm surges, cyclones and severe rainfall and flooding.
Just so you know, cyclones have gone up by 52% on India’s western coastline in the last four decades. Global temperature changes of 2°C by 2050 will further worsen these risks.
What can happen?
998 Mumbai buildings and 24 kilometres of roads may be impacted in Mumbai by 2050, while 2,490 structures and 126 kilometres will be impacted by rising sea levels owing to high tide. Other coastal cities in India will also witness similar risks.
What needs to be done?
RMSI recommends early warning and disaster management systems, land reclamation, increasing road height and relocation/strengthening of structures. Also, greenhouse gas emissions need to reduce fast.
Will we make it? If every living human does their bit, it's achievable but highly unlikely.