HC asks MRDPA to file report by November 15

Mumbai, June 28 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Mithi River Development Project Authority (MRDPA) to file by November 15 a report on the progress made in the second phase of the project.

A division bench comprising justices R M Lodha and A S Bagga directed the MRDPA to file the Phase-II report following the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMBDA) submitting the completion of the Phase-I report today.

The progress report upto June 26, which was submitted today, stated that while the desilting, cleaning and widening of the Mithi river was completed, some minor work was pending near the Vakola Nalla that would be completed shortly. However, it was brought to the court's notice that fresh encroachments were still springing up in the area, which also needed to be dealt with.

The court observed that the MMRDA and MCGM had done their work well and the court was very happy with the progress. There was a significant difference in the areas surrounding the Mithi river and the court appreciated the efforts of the petitioner as well as the authorities.

A Public Interest Litigation had been filed by BJP leader and activist Kirit Somaiya regarding the dumping of waste in the Mithi despite the deluge last year and the possible consequences it could have if the river was not cleaned.

UNI ARM MAZ PK RK1928