Mumbai gets 'Dastak Basti Yojna' to prevent deluge situation

Mumbai, May 29 (UNI) In an attempt to prevent another a kin to last year deluge, the civic authorities here have undertaken an action plan called 'Dastak Basti Yojna' for collecting solid waste in a proper manner, to ensure that no problems arise during the coming monsoons.

With a view to prevent people from disposing solid waste into the Mithi river, about 26 units, each comprising a group of people, have been commissioned under the scheme near the river. These groups will go door-to-door asking people to collect waste separately and dispose it off in the waste bins installed for the purpose and not elsewhere. Also, additional waste disposal bins have been placed in the area.

In addition to this, rickshaws have been provided for lifting solid waste in the slums, accessible only by narrow roads.

Mithi river Development and Protection Authority project director Dr V S Tondwalkar told mediapersons here today that, ''With a view to implement the directions of the High Court, a review committee has been set up under the chairmanship of additional commissioner (Eastern suburbs), Muncipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, and under its guidance proper precautions have been taken to prevent sewage flowing into the river.'' About 11 spots have been identified in the city for constructing 52 temporary toilets for a population of 8,000 in the area, out of which work order has been given for constructing temporary toilets at four places within the next two months.

With a view to take action against the unauthorised and unlicensed commercial units, the assistant commissioners of five wards (G North, K East, L , H East and S), through which the Mithi river passes, have been directed by the Municipal Commissioner to take action against the unauthorised and unlicensed commercial installations, within 15 metres from the bank of Mithi river, as proposed.

Accordingly, the concerned assistant commissioners have given notices to 512 unauthorised and unlicensed commercial and industrial units within 15 meteres from bank of Mithi river, under section 394 of Mumbai Municipal Act, out of which 461 galas have been vacated and 50 galas have been removed after taking action.

''The collector, Mumbai suburban district has completed the survey of affected structures within 30 meteres width on either side to the stretch from Mahim Causeway to CST bridge and within the river basin beyond CST bridge up to Vihar Lake,'' Mr Tondwalkar said.

The collector has issued notices to about 3,600 encroachers within 30 metres on either side and those in the river basin. The works of removal of these illegal encroachments and rehabilitation would be completed before the end of this month, he added.

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