The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to come up with a drive to clean up the nullahs in the western and eastern suburbs of Mumbai. The BMC is also planning to desilt the Mithi River simultaneously. The proposal is to be submitted on coming Wednesday and the estimated cost of desilting the Mithi River is expected to be around INR 250 crore.
Mumbai is prone to receiving heavy downpour during monsoon and since past few years due to clogged drainages and nullahs the city has been facing flood like situation. The proposal has been designed keeping these factors in mind. It includes cleaning the garbage and other objects that clog the nullahs during rainy season.
The amount proposed for desilting the Mithi river is expected to be used across the span of two years and will also include the cost of maintenance. Dahisar Corporator, Shubha Raul is also thinking of launching a similar cleaning drive for the Dahisar River so that better living conditions can be created in the river’s ecosystem.
Why Do Floods Occur in Mumbai?
On July 26, 2005, Mumbai witnessed one of the most dreadful and life-threatening rain and flood. Apart from the heavy downpours, the blocked and clogged drainages, nullahs and polluted rivers were the real factors causing such heavy floods.
The city administration have learned a lesson from this incident and ever since then efforts are being made to restrict the occurrence of flood-like situations. Huge constructions, lack of infrastructure to dispose of the garbage that is produced in high volume every day have made Mumbai more vulnerable to the floods.
In an effort to confine the flood from creating chaotic conditions in the country’s economic capital, the
Disaster Management Cell has deepened and widened the Mithi River, which pours into the Arabian Sea. However, these efforts are not enough according to the environmentalists. Hence, the proposal to clean up the nullahs and desilt the Mithi River is being introduced.
Add Comment