Mumbai: Mithi river rejuvenation project hit by encroachments

Encroachments along the banks of Mithi river at BKC. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The Mithi river rejuvenation project is falling behind the estimated timeline due to encroachment on the river bank. As per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, 30 per cent of the work of phase 2 was supposed to be complete by now, but only 15 per cent has actually been done.

"We are facing a problem with encroachment. Around 900 structures are affected, but we do not have sufficient places to relocate the project-affected people. Hence, we have started work where there is no encroachment," said a BMC official. The second phase of the project, estimated to cost R569 crore, started in 2020 and is supposed to take three years to complete.

"The project is underway between Powai Filter Pada to Kurla CST bridge. Retaining walls are being constructed at some places. We are also building a sewer network to prevent direct discharge into the river. This network will connect with the main sewer line," the official added. This project cost Rs 569 crore.

Meanwhile, work on the first phase, which began in 2019, is now nearing completion. "We are trying to complete this work by May," the official said. Under phase-1, BMC constructed a 1.5-km sewage line parallel to the Mithi river and an 800 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant at Powai.

"The first phase will be completed soon. There are some hurdles in the second phase. We are planning to give special project status to the project so that project-affected people can be compensated with money," said P Velrasu, additional commissioner, BMC.

Another official added that even as the phase-2 works have met hurdles, the civic body has started work on phase-3. He said, "Tenders for this project are still being prepared and we are coordinating with the local ward office."

"The estimated cost of the third phase, which covers the area between CST bridge to Mahim Creek, is R1,800 crore. During high tides, seawater comes to the CST bridge and causes waterlogging in Dharavi, Sion and nearby areas. As part of the third phase, BMC is set to construct a flood gate with a vertical pumping station at 28 outfalls," the official said.

15
Percentage of work done for Phase II