Mumbai residents sleep on Versova beach to escape extreme heat
Mumbai, June 19
As heat and increasing humidity grip Mumbai, several residents, mostly slum dwellers, have started spending their nights on the shores of Versova beach to get some relief from the conditions of their densely packed homes.
Most residents live in settlements near the Versova shoreline and sleep on the beach to escape extreme heat, which becomes unbearable due to the poor ventilation in their homes.
Residents said the sea breeze provides some respite from the oppressive weather, leading many families to gather on the beach after sunset and spend the night there. They go about their business by dawn.
Speaking to ANI, a slum dweller said, "We sleep on the beach every day to escape the intense heat. It becomes very difficult to stay inside our homes because of the heat, so we come here at night."
Another resident named Rahul told ANI that people are sleeping outdoors due to the intense heat during the summer season, and a majority of these individuals are from local slum areas, with a smaller percentage being visitors who enjoy the area and end up spending the night.
A resident from Uttar Pradesh added that people return to sleeping indoors once the rainy season begins.
As per the weather forecast, people are experiencing excessive heat with temperatures rising to 33 degree celcius. Maharashtra has been witnessing high temperatures in recent days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius over the interior parts of Maharashtra during the next three days, followed by a gradual decline thereafter.
According to the IMD, there is likely to be no significant change in minimum temperatures over Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during the next four to five days. The weather agency has also predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over the Vidarbha region.
In a relief for residents reeling under the heat, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for isolated rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Maharashtra. The department has further indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance further into Maharashtra over the next four to five days.
The IMD, in its Long Range Forecast for the Southwest Monsoon Seasonal Rainfall during June-September 2026, said that the southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error of plus or minus four per cent, indicating below-normal rainfall during the monsoon season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is tragic but also shows incredible resilience. Imagine the community spirit of sharing the beach at night. Still, we need affordable housing with proper airflow. The 90% monsoon prediction is worrying too—low rainfall will hit farmers hard.
We're in June and still no proper monsoon in sight. The heat is unbearable even in AC rooms. Can't imagine what these families go through. The government should set up cooling centers or at least distribute fans. This is basic human dignity. 😔
Sad reality of urban India. Versova beach is beautiful but not meant for sleeping. The humidity is killing everyone this year. Atleast the monsoon forecast gives some hope though 90% is below normal. Let's hope the rain god is merciful.
I've seen this first-hand near Versova. The sea breeze does help, but what happens when it rains? These families will be back in those cramped shanties. We need better urban planning. Also, 33°C doesn't sound extreme but the humidity makes it feel like 40°C. Mumbaikars know the struggle.
Respect to these families for making do with what they have. But honestly, it's a shame that in a city like Mumbai, basic amenities are still a dream for many. The BMC should atleast install some temporary shelters or water coolers near the beach. Small steps matter. ✨
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