BMC to spend Rs 35 crore on consultation for Mithi River revival

Cleaning and desilting of Mithi river underway in BKC in July 2021. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The Mithi river has become one of the most prestigious projects for Mumbai. The BMC is now in the process of finalising the consultancy for rejuvenation, beautification and flood control of the river. It will spend Rs 35 crore on the project report and management, and the study will take 12 months while the consultation will go on for the next four years.

mid-day on February 11 reported that the project, entailing widening of the Mithi river and construction of a security wall and service road, was incomplete even after the BMC and the MMRDA spent Rs 1,150 crore on it over the past 17 years. As per the annual civic budget for 2022-23, work worth Rs 4,033 crore is still on the cards and Rs 565 crore has been allotted to the project for the year.

The Storm Water Drains (SWD) Department has sent a proposal to the standing committee, which mentions that the Mithi river flows for about 17.84 km, and of that, 11.84 km comes under the BMC's jurisdiction while the remaining 6 km under the MMRDA.

The BMC has already undertaken Phase I, under which various works like widening and desilting were done. In Phase II, the work has been divided into five groups as per the area. It includes diversion of sewer lines, laying new sewer lines, construction of service roads, etc. and will cost R465 crore. The work is going on in and around Morarji Nagar, Customs Colony, Nilgiri society, Kantilal compound, Karwa industries, Malhotra House, etc.

Phase III and Phase IV are in the pipeline.

"Several works are on the cards, like water transport on the river, development of mangroves as well as forest and beautification as well as recreational facilities for generation of revenue. Even works to control floods are necessary. The consultant is supposed to give a detailed project report, including study of the Brimstowad project," said a civic official.

As per the proposal, the administration has recommended the allotment of the contract for the report to M/S TPF Engineering Pvt Ltd and M/S Pacific Consultant Company Ltd for Rs 35.88 crore. The consultant is supposed to give the report within 12 months and will remain as a consultant for the next four years during the actual work.