Rs6.97 crore plan to clean up Mithi river

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is mulling a Rs 6.97 crore plan to control the foul odour and prevent breeding of mosquitoes on Mithi river and Vakola nalla. This follows the expert advice of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).

However, such measures would be taken at the Bandra Kurla complex area of these two water bodies.

Prior to widening and deepening of Mithi river, the water body reeked of foul smell due to lack of dissolved oxygen and emission of Hydrogen Sulphide, apart from stagnant water leading to mosquito breeding.

"Due to various works and measures undertaken, there has been drastic improvement in the channels of Mithi river and Vakola nalla. Even, water flow has improved thereby bringing down pollution levels," said an MMRDA official.

A couple of years ago, the development authority had conducted an experiment for odour control which gave a positive result. Hence, it has decided to once again adopt the same methodology. Even a floating boom will be put up that will help in keeping floating garbage at bay and not let waste enter towards airport area.

Work on the same is expected to begin only by November of this year, after the assembly elections.