BMC says Metro authorities raised pillars in the middle of a drain; MMRDA denies allegations
Now, the BMC plans to finish the other leg of the project for about Rs 8 crore. Representation pic
Certain areas in Kandivli are unlikely to see any respite from flooding this monsoon as a stretch of a stormwater project remains incomplete due to a disagreement between the civic body and Metro authorities.
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While BMC says the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has raised piers in the middle of a drain without their permission, state infrastructure body MMRDA has denied the charges. The BMC wants Metro authorities to fix the stormwater drain or nullah.
Over the past few years, New Link Road, Ganesh Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Hindustan Junction in Kandivli have emerged as new flood-prone spots. To address
the problem, the BMC decided to build a missing link of a stormwater network in the area.
In 2019, the civic corporation called for tenders to widen a nullah on New Link Road from Borsapada Road junction to Laljipada and lay utility ducts for nearly '17 crore. It also finalised the lowest bidder.
“Meanwhile, DMRC had constructed piers in the nullah without taking permission from the Storm Water Drainage Department. In a meeting with the DMRC at the office of Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Zone 7, it has been decided that the Metro should do the repair work as BMC couldn’t do the widening due to the piers," said a BMC official.
The spokesperson of MMRDA differed. The official told mid-day, “We have not provided any pillars in the nullah without the permission of the BMC.”
Since one leg of the project has been stuck, the BMC official said, they will go ahead with the remaining work for about '8 crore. This includes widening of nullahs on either side of the 60-feet DP Road as well as the M G Road that connects the Linking Road and Hindustan junction. A proposal for this work has been sent to the BMC's standing committee, its highest decision-making body. It is likely to be tabled on Wednesday.
Rs 17cr
Cost of the project that remains
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