A corporator from Ghatkopar has contradicted the civic body over the latter's claim that it is carrying out desilting of rivers and drains at a satisfactory pace. Congress man Pravin Chheda says at least 1,400 families in the suburb are vulnerable to flooding due the apathy of the civic administration.
Mayor Sunil Prabhu and standing committee chairman Yashodhar Phanase had on Thursday visited various sites in the island city, eastern and western suburbs to see inspect desilting work. During the visit, civic officials had claimed that 60 per cent of the job was done.
According to Chheda, citizens in various pockets like Jawahar Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Banjara Basti and D-Colony in Vidyavihar east are likely to be badly affected once rains hit the city.
"A stretch of Somaiya nullah between Himgiri and Ashutosh housing societies in Vidyavihar east chokes every year due to a slab laid on the major drain. Residents have to witness two-three feet water-logging every year due to the same. While it is only less than a month left for the onset of monsoon, the drain is yet to be cleaned, posing danger for locals," Chheda said.
The corporator added that despite the matter being raised before additional municipal commissioner (eastern suburbs) SVR Srinivas, the problem remains ignored. "The BMC must look into the problem and take action against those at fault. Or else, it is the BMC which will be responsible for the situation," Chheda said.
Chheda quipped that every year the mayor visits only cleaned nullahs. "Either he is unaware that there are unclean nullahs like this or he is misleading public by claiming everything is fine. That shows he is not serious."
On asked, Prabhu said the Chheda's complaint will be looked into. "I will instruct officials right now to get the work done," the mayor added.
Srinivas though claimed he has not received any communication in this regard from Chheda in the first place. "However, if the problem is genuine, we will surely look into it," he added.
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