44% nullah desilting work completed: BMC

While the monsoon is hardly a month away, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is yet to complete over 75 per cent of desilting work of nullah and rivers. The civic administration however stated that around 44 per cent desilting work of river and major nullahs have been completed by the end of April.

The BMC starts pre-monsoon preparation in the beginning of the year. However, in the past, desilting works could not be completed owing to delay in awarding the contract. But, this year, the civic chief had directed to complete the tendering process mid January and award contract in time.

During monthly review meeting of civic chief, the storm water drain department claimed that around 44 per cent desilting of major nullah and river was completed by April end. Around 49 per cent desilting work of Mithi River is completed and 41 per cent of major nullah in city areas are completed too. Similarly, the desilting work is completed in 51 per cent in the eastern suburb and 37 per cent in the western suburb.

However, the desilting in minor nullah is going at slow pace. The length of minor nullah in the city area is 40.73 km and only 18 per cent desilting work was completed till April 30. Similarly, the eastern suburb and western suburb have 19 per cent and 21 per cent desilting work is completed till April 30. The total length of minor nullah across Mumbai is 438 km.

Meanwhile, the civic chief also directed officials to check open manhole, de-watering pump installation and manpower management during monsoon.

Since the Metro work is underway across the city, a proper coordination between BMC and MMRDA will be required for speedy redresaal of monsoon related issues like flooding and others. The civic chief also directed Pravin Darade, additional Municipal Commissioner to hold a meeting with MMRDA officials regarding Metro related work. Meanwhile, assistant commissioners have been asked to ensure safety near work site by taking necessary measures in their respective areas.