Mumbai’s Real Estate: The Challenges of Building on Reclaimed Land

As the commercial capital of India, Mumbai has been a hub for real estate investment, with high-rise buildings and sprawling suburban areas offering ample opportunities for developers. However, the city also faces unique challenges when it comes to building on reclaimed land, which constitutes approximately 25 percent of Mumbai's total area.

Reclaimed land refers to land that was previously underwater and is now artificially filled and built upon. The process of reclaiming land involves pumping sand and other materials into the sea and then adding layers of sediment until it reaches desired levels. The practice has been in use for centuries, with the earliest reclamation projects dating back to the 17th century.

But building on reclaimed land in Mumbai has always been fraught with challenges. The city has witnessed several instances of building collapses, particularly in areas that were once salt pans and marshes. The most recent and devastating incident took place in 2017 when a six-story building collapsed in the suburb of Ghatkopar, killing 17 people. The building was constructed on land that was reclaimed over three decades ago.

The primary challenge in building on reclaimed land is its low bearing capacity. The land on which Mumbai stands today was primarily marshy and rocky until the colonial-era British came up with the idea of reclaiming it. The process of reclamation, however, does not make the land any stronger, and it takes a long time for it to stabilize and gain strength. As a result, large construction projects such as high-rise buildings and flyovers require complex ground improvement techniques, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Another challenge with reclaimed land is its susceptibility to liquefaction during earthquakes. Liquefaction refers to the process of waterlogged soil losing its strength and becoming a fluid-like substance. This can result in buildings sinking, tilting, or collapsing. In recent years, Mumbai has experienced mild tremors, and experts have warned of the potential for a major earthquake in the region.

The government recognizes the challenges of building on reclaimed land and has put in place several regulations to safeguard against disasters. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority is responsible for allowing construction on the city's coast, and it imposes strict regulations on developers, including mandatory provisions for soil improvement and earthquake-resistant designs.

Despite the challenges, Mumbai's real estate market continues to thrive, and developers are investing in reclamation projects. Some of the notable projects in recent years include the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, a 22-kilometer bridge connecting the city to Navi Mumbai, and the Bandra Worli Sea Link, a cable-stayed bridge connecting the suburbs of Bandra and Worli.

Building on reclaimed land in Mumbai comes with its set of challenges, but it remains an essential aspect of the city's growth. As more people migrate to Mumbai, the demand for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure projects will continue to rise. It is crucial that developers follow strict regulations and employ the necessary technologies to ensure the safety and stability of buildings on reclaimed land.