According to reports, approximately 4,000 slum-dwelling families, reside at the risk of a landslide at Mulund hills. This is said to occur because the state government hasn’t authorised the complete funds to curate a retaining wall alongside the slope.
Certain reports enunciate that Mihir Kotecha, a BJP MLA stated in 2019 that the MHADA suggested constructing a 2km-long retaining wall through the slopes. Set to be built in Bhandup and Mulund for an approximate Rs 10.5cr, the concerned authorities only permitted Rs 1.3cr. Thus, only a little part was managed to be made. According to the MLA, the residents aren’t just in danger from the landslides, but also the retaining wall. Since the wall doesn’t exist in many locations, and where it does exist is in a shabby condition, the structure needs to be reconstructed or re-strengthened. He also elaborated that they haven’t received the funds, even though they voiced their concerns regarding it at the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC).
In other developments, after the sanctioning of the funds by the DPDC, MHADA-assigned contractors built the wall.
The slum areas along the slopes that are in danger include Amar Nagar, Hanuman Pada, Khindi Pada, New Rahul Nagar, Rahul Nagar and Shankar Tekdi.
Also Read: BMC Issues Warning Notice To 121 Residents Living At Disaster-Prone Areas In Powai
Additionally, Aaditya Thackeray, the Mumbai suburban guardian minister and DPDC Chairperson, assured of the prioritised building of the walls. Some reports mention that he has acknowledged the repeated demands for the wall construction that weren’t met. According to him, since December 2019, priority to building retaining walls has been given. For requests that came in last year, available funds have been given, for this year, he has asked the district planning officer to ensure dispensation of the funds.
He further said that whilst many tend to turn a blind eye towards it, it is hazardous that the recent landslides in the city occurred by the strength of water and mud that broke the protection walls.
In the last week, 29 people lost their lives to two separate landslide incidents in the city. Wherein, the BMC, according to reports, alleged to have given warnings to those living in slums. However, they refused to move.
Also Read: Maharashtra: 149 Dead, 64 Missing Due To Floods And Other Rain-Related Incidents
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