MMRDA and BMC to remove silt from Mithi banks:HC

Mumbay, May 19 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to remove the silt being dumped on the banks of Mithi River immediately, following the submission of the second progress report upto May 17 by the Mithi River Development Region Project Authority (MRDPA) .

Vacation Judge V R Kingaonkar, passed directions in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding cleaning and development of the Mithi river, filed by politician and activist, Dr Kirit Somaiya, who today produced photographs taken on May 13 and 16 drawing attention to the grevious problem.

However, 59 percent silt and debris has already been removed by the BMC and MMRDA according to the report.

While the BMC has removed silt and debris to the extent of 3,89,520 cubic metres of which 2,69,150 cubic metres has been transported, the MMRDA have dredged about 3,73,831 cubic metres from Mithi and Vakola Nalla of which 2,09,100 cubic metres has been transported to Kanjur Marg and Mulund dumping grounds.

Justice Kingaonkar, while passing the directions, held that the silt could flow back into the river if not removed before the rains and cause water logging and flooding again.

In this second progress report, the MRDPA has stated that while two groups assigned by the MMRDA will be able to complete their work, the third group working on desilting and clearance of debris between CST Road and American School to Bandra-Kurla Complex may not be completed by May 31.

Of the eight projects under BMC, one may not complete while the other seven will meet their target by May 31.

Regarding the rehabilitation of the Persons Affected by the Project (PAP), 1772 residential families and 178 commercial units have been provided with alternate habitation while 97 residential families and 171 commerical units remain for resettlement and the authorities shall meet the deadline for this as well.

Also, the demolition of 27 residential and 75 commercial structures remains and would be completed in time, according to the report.

UNI XR ARM PM SKB1946