No flood in Mithi this monsoon, says BMC

Mumbai's infamous Mithi river which was a major contributor for 2005 deluge won't hit the flood stage this year, claims Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). That the river's flowing capacity has increased by three times and it will not overflow this monsoon.

"The river's flowing capacity has increased by three times and it will not overflow this monsoon," said Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Bharat Marathe, adding, "After the 2005 deluge, it was decided to deepen and widen the river and build retaining wall and service roads along its banks. 95 per cent of the flood mitigation work is completed which has increased its flowing capacity," said Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Bharat Marathe.

In 2006, the BMC and Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority (MMRDA) had undertaken the Mithi River deepening and widening project at an estimated cost of Rs 1400 crore. But even 12 years, BMC has failed to complete the project.

Blaming land encroachments for the delay, Marathe said, "1500 encroachments had to be removed this year, but we could demolish only 500."