Think beyond the city limits, says Chitale

Development of Mumbai should not be thought in terms of the island city alone, and the authorities should take into consideration the infrastructure of the extended metropolitan region as well. This was stated by Madhav Chitale, chief of the committee appointed to investigate the Mumbai floods of 2005.

“Mumbai is not only the island city as its limits have crossed the geographical boundary and reached up to Vasai-Virar-Dombivili and Panvel. So, the development of the city should not limit to Mumbai only. All the government and semi-government authorities have to consider the metropolitan region for development and plan accordingly.

Otherwise, we may face a very difficult situation in the next few years,” Chitale said.
Talking to DNA after meeting mayor Dr Shubha Raul on Thursday, Chitale said that the work on Mithi river undertaken by the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been satisfactory.

Although the fear among Mumbaikars may come down after the work on the river that flooded the city is completed, he warned that the Borivili-Poisar river may create problems in the city. According to him, the river has a very narrow bed and it would be worthwhile to widen it soon.

Objecting to arial mapping of the city, Chitale said that physical ground mapping is a must for contour mapping.

Talking about rain water harvesting, he said, “This is not a permanent solution. Rain water harvesting has limitations. So, the governing body has to explore more sources of water. The dams don’t have any substitute. So, we have to think over it and look into it.”