BMC has just 4 days to clean 1.6 lakh metres of nullahs

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has just four days to de-silt 1.6lakh metres stretch of nullahs in the city. The civic body has the tedious task of removing over 2.64 lakh cubic metre of sludge deposited in the nullahs. Cleaning nullahs is mandatory to avoid flooding.

The civic body is yet to complete 35% of the cleaning work. The impending work includes the nullahs prone to flooding, some of which include Dahisar nullah, Poisar nullah, Mogra nullah in Andheri Subway and Vakola Nullah.

The BMC has attended 2.9 lakh meter stretch of nullahs, out of which 1.76 lakh cubic meter silt has been cleaned out. But till now only 1.4 lakh cubic meter silt has been transported at the dumping ground.

Municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar reviewed the state of work in south Mumbai, while standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale inspected the progress in Western suburbs.

Kumar stated around 65% of the work has been completed at island city. While Shewale stated that around 69% of the work has been completed in Western suburbs.

However, during visit Shewale’s visit, a 17-year-old girl was found cleaning the Chamdawadi nullah in Bandra. Earlier, the standing committee had decided if any contractor was found employing minors, he will be penalised.

“We are inquiring if the contractor had employed the girl. If he had, suitable action will be initiated,” said Shewale. With the final deadline of May 31 approaching, the civic officials are coming down heavily on errant contractors.