Monsoons are a favorite among many people, but flooding is not something people look forward to. A growing population with negligent citizens and civic authorities, among other reasons are the cause of floods every year. In view of experts, climate change will worsen the situation. Mumbai has been prone to floods for the last few years due to heavy rains and the coastal city will continue to remain one of the high-risk prone areas.

Every year we see life coming to a standstill due to waterlogging during the rainy season. In Mumbai, residential apartments are constructed from the ground floor and run as high as 40 floors and above. During monsoons, news about lifts facing short-circuits and being flooded following a heavy shower has become a regular. However, by placing a few measures homebuyers can still enjoy the 'cat-and-dog' weather with little to worry about.

Here are some precautions that owners can consider to ensure that their homes and buildings are free from water-logging.

Rain Garden

Rain gardens help mitigate excess water while adding visual interest. These gardens are slightly different from a regular garden as they have a shallow depression. Long rooted grasses and other plants potted In this shallow depression help drain the excess water within 12-48 hours preventing the accumulation of water which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Hence, rain gardens will not only free you from a soggy or flooded yard, but it will also raise the visual appeal of your house to a new level.

Ensure /check the drainage system

As a result of clogged up drains due to plastic bags along with shrinking open space, urban floods after a heavy downpour can be attributed to mankind. Therefore, It is vital to check the locality's drainage system before the monsoon season kicks in so that you don't fall victim to urban flooding. Proper maintenance of drains, ban on plastic bags will help tackle floods in cities after heavy rains.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting refers to trapping and storing of rainwater for future use. State governments have made rainwater harvesting compulsory but most of the laws are just on paper. Rainwater harvesting will not only help to address water scarcity but will also help in keeping a check on flooding. Experts believe that if each property owner starts to harvest rainwater, we would have a lower risk of urban flooding during heavy monsoons.

Sump Pump

A building's health is defined by a strong foundation and it is important to ensure that it remains so throughout. However, water stagnation as a result of flooding during heavy rains poses a threat to the base of the building. To avoid such a situation, builders can install a sump pump also known as a flood pump to ensure that the basement remains dry and flood free. A sump pump automatically pumps the water out of the pit and away from the building, keeping the basement flood-free. Besides relieving flooding, these pumps also help in reducing the risk of mould building up in your basement. As buildings these days are constructed from the ground floor itself, it is important that home buyers and builders take measures to ensure a flood-free surrounding.

Downspout Extensions

Rain gutters help to protect our house during heavy downpours, but downspout extensions have an important role to play. Downspouts are pipes attached to the gutters which are then installed along the sides of your house. But, the downspout extension helps downspouts to redirect the water to drain to a specific place. These extensions help the rainwater to drain in a controlled manner instead of getting into different places and causing mould and mildew growth.