HC questions BMC about implementation of BRIMSTOWAD project

Mumbai, July 26 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) about the implementation of the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drainage (BRIMSTOWAD) project.

A division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and N H Patil, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Dr Sandeep Rane, also directed both the Maharashtra and Central governments to file an affidavit within three weeks, stating whether they are going to financially support the BMC in the implementation of the BRIMSTOWAD project.

The BMC in their affidavit in the day submitted that while the expenditure for the entire project was Rs 1,800 crore, the first phase required Rs 630 crore. The BMC allotted Rs 280 crore for the project and for the balance amount, they were to approach the state and Central governments for funding.

The petitioner also contended that if the project had been implemented, the city would not have had to deal with the floods last year.

However, BMC counsel K K Singhvi submitted that the project would take a minimum of three years to complete, of which the first phase would be completed this year.

The court also directed the state and Centre to reply as to when they would provide the funds, if they agreed to the same.

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