Amidst the looming threat of the monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is forging ahead with its ambitious agenda to purge the city’s drains of accumulated silt.
This strategic endeavor is deemed crucial to bolster Mumbai’s rainwater drainage infrastructure and mitigate the risk of flooding during the impending deluge. With a formidable target of extracting 10,21,782 metric tonnes of silt before the onset of the monsoon, the BMC has made significant headway, having successfully removed 4,86,378 metric tonnes, constituting an impressive 47.60% of the total target. This concerted effort underscores the municipality’s proactive stance in pre-empting potential inundation hazards. The silt removal operations are currently in full swing across Mumbai, encompassing both major and minor drains. The BMC’s meticulous planning and execution aim to conclude the desilting works well before the monsoon’s arrival, slated for May 31, 2024.
Under the vigilant stewardship of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, the BMC has adopted a multi-pronged approach to expedite the silt removal process. The concerted efforts span across all administrative divisions, including the City, Eastern Suburbs, and Western Suburbs, with additional resources deployed as necessary to ensure adherence to the predetermined schedule. In terms of progress, the City has achieved 33.74% completion, with 10,440 metric tonnes of silt removed out of the targeted 30,940 metric tonnes. In the Eastern Suburbs, significant headway has been made, with 48.03% completion achieved by removing 59,344 metric tonnes out of the targeted 1,23,553 metric tonnes. Similarly, the Western Suburbs have recorded 42.47% completion, clearing 99,802 metric tonnes out of the targeted 2,35,021 metric tonnes. Notably, the clean-up of the Mithi River has attained an impressive 67.45% completion rate, with 1,45,808 metric tonnes of silt removed out of the targeted 2,16,174 metric tonnes.
To uphold accountability and quality standards, the BMC has implemented stringent terms and conditions in contracts for silt removal, mandating comprehensive documentation and monitoring throughout the process. This includes video documentation and photographic evidence at various stages, coupled with CCTV surveillance to oversee vehicle movements, ensuring transparency and adherence to protocol. As the BMC remains steadfast in its commitment to Mumbai’s pre-monsoon preparedness, the corporation is poised to meet its silt removal objectives by May 31, 2024. With a keen focus on efficiency and efficacy, coupled with enhanced monitoring mechanisms, the BMC stands ready to confront Mumbai’s drainage challenges head-on ahead of the impending monsoon season.
