The desilting work of the Mithi River has come under criticism after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) awarded a contract worth approximately INR 30 crore to contractors allegedly lacking relevant experience.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns that the selected contractors are primarily involved in road construction and beautification projects, and do not possess expertise in river desilting. Questions have also been raised about the availability of necessary machinery required for efficient silt removal.
According to reports, the pace of work has been slow, with logistical challenges such as limited space for machinery deployment affecting progress. There are also allegations that debris from earlier works has been dumped back into the river, potentially worsening blockages.
Additionally, certain stormwater drains, particularly those within private residential premises, are reportedly not being cleaned. Damaged retaining walls along parts of the river have further heightened fears of water entering nearby residential areas during the monsoon.
In response to the concerns, the BMC’s standing committee has directed officials to submit weekly progress reports to ensure closer monitoring of the desilting work.
The Mithi River plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s drainage system, and delays or inefficiencies in its maintenance could increase the risk of flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
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