HC asks state and union to file affidavit for BRIMSTOWAD Project

Mumbai, Aug 30 (UNI) Bombay High court today asked the state and union governments to file affidavit within two weeks indicating their budget allocation towards the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drain (BRIMSTOWAD) Project.

A division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde were hearing a bunch of public interest litigations regarding the project, the phase-I of which is to be completed by March 31 next year.

The court was told that under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation would be contributing 50 percent of the total cost of the project (Rs 1800 Crore)- that is Rs 900 crores and the remaining 15 percent would be contributed by the state while 35 percent would be by the Union government.

The first phase of the project would cost Rs 630 crore for which the BMC has already allotted 280 crore. However, the state's counsel informed the court that the Union government had agreed to bear 100 percent cost of the project.

While the second phase shall complete by 2012, the first phase is almost complete, informed the BMC counsel.

Therefore to clarify the Union government's stand regarding allocation of money, the reply will be filed within two weeks and the case shall come up for further hearing on September 14.

UNI ARM ADG SKB1921