The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has proposed an INR 27 crore plan to revitalise two crucial holding ponds and improve their water quality. This will be done under a five-year contract via the AMRUT scheme.
One of the two holding ponds is known as "Jewel of Navi Mumbai", which is located in sector 36 of Nerul and another in sector 19 of Koparkhairane. Both of them play a vital role in preventing Navi Mumbai from flooding during the monsoon season.
The previous efforts focused solely on beautifying the areas around the ponds. But this initiative aims to ensure the ponds' water quality. To achieve this, advanced technological measures will be implemented. A live water quality monitoring system will be set up.
The project budget is allocated at approximately INR 17 crore for the Jewel of Navi Mumbai and INR 10 crore for the Koparkhairane holding pond. Its funds will be used for essential tasks. The cleaning and desilting of the pond will be done at an expense of INR 1.26 crore.
It will also utilise bioremediation technology and ultrasonic algae management system. To combat algae, an ultrasonic system will be constructed worth INR 2.75 crores, whereas the bioremediation technology will be installed at a cost of INR 1.40 crore to maintain water quality.
However, according to reports, Dharmesh Barai, the founder of the Environment Life Foundation, and some activists question the substantial budget. According to Barai, the holding ponds may be adequately maintained with the right strategy and at a low cost. He emphasises that periodic maintenance will be sufficient, especially for floodgate operation at high tides.
The activists' have raised concerns are about the expenditure of public money and the security of the advanced equipment. They question the need for such an investment and express uncertainty about the effective prevention of floodgate theft.
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