Civic body identifies new space for the projects that will reduce flooding in western and eastern suburbs, officials hope to start work soon
A waterlogged King’s Circle on September 23. File pic
More than 15 years after nearly 1,000 mm of rainfall triggered unprecedented floods in Mumbai killing scores of people, the BMC has decided to go ahead with the work on pumping stations at Mogara of Juhu, and Mahul that will reduce inundation in western and eastern suburbs. Officials attributed the delay to the challenge of land acquisition.
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Officials said a Rs 300-crore proposal for the Mogara pumping station has already been cleared by the standing committee. The Chitale Committee, formed to suggest ways to reduce flooding in the city after the 2005 deluge, had stressed the need for these two projects. Six pumping stations, as recommended by the committee, are already up and running and the BMC says these facilities have reduced flooding in several areas.
Sources said after Additional Municipal Commissioner P Velrasu took charge of the projects, new neighbouring spaces were finalised for the pumping stations. In the case of Mogara, the BMC has decided to construct the pumping station on the creek land and has given up on the idea of using a private space. Officials said the private landowner has moved court seeking compensation even for the creek area.
In the case of Mahul, the BMC tried to acquire land from the Salt Commissioner but without any success. It has now zeroed in on a private plot where construction plans already in process. Sources said the BMC is negotiating with the landowner offering another piece of land in exchange. The talks are in final stages, said sources.
A senior BMC official, not willing to be named, said, “Our designs and contractor everything is final in the case of Mogara pumping station, and once the court decision comes in we will be able to go ahead with the work. We are positive that the decision will allow us to go ahead with the project. After many years we also have a breakthrough over Mahul pumping station and soon we should get good news in that regard.”
06
No. of pumping stations already operational in city
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