Mumbai: With the early arrival of monsoon, BMC's pre-monsoon storm water drains (SWD) desilting work has gone for a toss. Although civic officials say that are prioritising the desilting work and aim to complete by its deadline of May 31, the picture seems dim. As of May 27, the civic body has managed to complete overall only 72% of its total desilting work.
As per the SWD website, 97% of desilting work is completed in the western suburbs, 92% in the eastern suburbs and 74% is completed in the City area. Notably, the City area has recieved maximum rainfall in the last two days, with several areas recording over 200 mm rainfall, there by affecting the pace of work.
"The rains have affected the pace of work, however, we are progressing without any halt. Once intensity of rainfall decrease and we find the dry days periods, will complete the desilting work," said an senior BMC officer.
As per the SWD data, BMC has managed to complete only 64% of minor drains desilting. The minor drains are the road side drains/small nullahs.
One of the reasons for roadside water logging on Sunday and Monday was the uncollected silt from the minor drains lying on the roadside. At several locations, the pile of silt on the roadside washed in the drains back. Areas like Marol, Chembur were affected with this issue.
The FPJ had reported earlier that the M-West ward is forced to continue working with the blacklisted contractor Bhumika Transport, for completing the work. The contractor was blacklisted as it was found transporting materials others than silt to the dumping ground.
Meanwhile, desilting of Mithi river- the most crucial storm water drains in the city, is far behind its completion. As of May 27, only 53% if Mithi river desilting is completed, says the SWD website, which provides the data of daily silt removal.
Sanjiv Valsan, a resident of Bandra said, "All the areas along the Mithi river were flooded on Monday. It's evident the desilting is either not completed or not done properly."
While, Pragati Shete, a resident of Tilak Nagar, Chembur said, "The uncollected silt is still lying on the road. It's not only difficult to park vehicles but we can't walk either. The pile of silt is soaked with rain water again."
Deputy CM and gaurdian minister of Mumbai Eknath Shinde during his latest inspection of SWD work, directed authorities to collect the silt within 48 hours of removal, as per the rules. He also directed to ensure desilting is completed by June 7 and said officers who are found negligent in work, would face strict actions.
