Lesson 26- Mumbai Sustainability

Question 1

Where is Mumbai?

Answer 1

• Neighbours the Arabian Sea
• In the west of India
• South of the capital New Delhi
  -climate results in lots of flooding June-August

Question 2

How is Urban Climate linked to Waste in Mumbai?

Answer 2

• These topics are most definitely linked. Landfill/burial is often used in LICs/NEEs as it is cheap. This releases methane, as organic materials rot and thus the Urban Heat Island effect is enhanced.

-Waste is often burnt in Mumbai too, only exaggerating existing air pollution.

Question 3

Causes of air, water and soil pollution in India?

Answer 3

• The transport sector is a major contributor, accounting for around 30.5% of PM2.5
• A large portion of sewage is discharged directly into rivers and the sea without proper treatment, Improper disposal of plastic waste leads to significant water pollution.
• Dumping of industrial waste contaminates the soil

Question 4

How is urban waste managed in India’s urban centres?

Answer 4

• The informal sector, including waste pickers, plays a crucial role in recycling and waste management. They collect, sort, and sell recyclable materials, contributing significantly to waste reduction

Question 5

Whats happening to particulate matter pollution in Mumbai?

Answer 5

• Increased 15% between 2017 and 2018
  -these are tiny bits of solids or liquids suspended in the air that causes lung cancer

Question 6

What are the origins of this type of pollution?

Answer 6

• One of these is power stations and vehicle exhausts

Question 7

How is waste dealt with in Mumbai?

Answer 7

• The main way Mumbai deals with waste is through landfill disposal
  -The city’s waste management system, primarily handled by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), involves collecting and transporting waste to three major landfills: Deonar, Mulund, and Kanjurmarg

Question 8

What risks does the ‘Mountain of Garbage’ pose?

Answer 8

• Water Contamination: Leachate, a liquid that drains from waste, can contaminate groundwater and surface water, posing risks to drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems.
• Vector-Borne Diseases: The waste attracts pests like rats and flies, which can spread diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and cholera.

Question 9

Mumbai Case Study-Causes and Effects of Mumbais UHI

Answer 9

• Urbanisation has increased growth in concrete surfaces, high rise buildings with glass facades and a decline in three cover has warmed the city
  -125% increase in built up environment and 20% decrease in vegetation between 1973 to 2009
  -also shifting to the suburbs
  -high-rise buildings along narrow roads prevents reflected heat to escape
  -vehicle traffic adds to the UHI

Question 10

Causes and effects of flooding in Mumbai?

Answer 10

• The 2005 flooding-944mm rainfall on this day
• The city’s drainage system was outdated and unable to handle such a large volume of water
• Over 1,094 people lost their lives due to the floods and related illnesses1
  .

-Infrastructure Damage: The floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including 100,000 residential and commercial establishments and 30,000 vehicles
.
-Economic Impact: The estimated financial loss was over 550 crore rupees (approximately $110 million)
.