Mithi work almost complete, govt tells HC

MUMBAI: Mithi River Development and Protection Authority (MRDPA) on Wednesday submitted the third progress report of Mithi river widening and clean-up work to the Bombay High Court.

MRDPA, which has Chief Minister as its chairman, has claimed in the report that work of the phase one – which contemplated widening and desilting of the river -- is almost complete by May 31, the deadline set by High Court.

However, former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who’s PIL in the wake of last year's floods in Mumbai led the High Court to order cleaning up and widening of Mithi river, alleged that large quantities of silt removed from river are still lying on river bank.

Somaiyya argued that rain would wash the silt back into river. The court also echoed this apprehension and directed that work may be expedited. The court also asked the MRDPA to file next progress report by June 7.