Mithi river development project launched

Mumbai, Mar 4: Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has said that while going ahead with the Mithi River development project, priority will be given to the rehabilitation of the affected people.

Speaking at a function of Mithi River developmet Project yesterday, he said the first phase was expected to be completed by May 31. No water-logging would take place this year and the river bank would be developed like a tourist spot, he assured.

He also handed over keys of 225 sq ft flat to 20 affected people who were living on the river bank.

On July 26 last year, the Mithi river was overflooded throwing Mumbai out of gear.

Raising the issue of influx of migrants in the metropolis, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said on the occasion that there was no ban on anybody coming to Mumbai but everybody should help for the development of the city and the Centre should also help it, considering the maximum tax revenue was generated from here.

"People should also think how long Mumbai can sustain with this infrastructure," he added.

UNI