DNA Rain Check: Only 45% desilting done, chances of flooding high, says Vishwanath Mahadeshwar

The mayor of Mumbai Vishwanath Mahadeshwar inspected some major nullahs in western suburbs on Wednesday to check the status of desilting work done. Mahadeshwar visited Vakola nullah, Irla nullah, Oshiwara river and Dahisar river. 

To his chagrin, the mayor found that the Storm Water Drain (SWD) department of the BMC has completed only 40 to 50 per cent desilting of nullahs. As a result of which, he believes that some locations will once again witness waterlogging this monsoon. However, the SWD department claims that around 65 per cent desilting is done and the work is on schedule. 

Speaking to DNA, Mahadeshwar said: “I had planned to visit a few locations in Vakola, Santacruz, Irla and Oshiwara. But I decided to go for a surprise visit to two other locations. I found that in the nullah in Vakola and Hans Bhugra Marg, desilting is yet to begin and debris are lying along the nullah. Waterlogging in these areas is unavoidable. I have asked the SWD department to carry out desilting by June 1st week. They need to buckle up,” he added. 

Desilting of nullahs is a crucial pre-monsoon work the BMC undertakes, so as to allow the rain water to flow out through the drains smoothly. However, every monsoon, several areas see flooding due to improper desilting.

Chief engineer of SWD department, V Khandkar said: “The locations at Vakola nullahs, where desilting has not started lies under Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) and debris lying there need to be cleared by them. Also, many a times, drain pipes and minor nullahs (which are to be cleaned by ward offices) are not desilted properly. As a result, local spots face waterlogging.” 

“The SWD department is responsible for carrying out desilting of major nullahs and rivers, which are cleaned properly every year. Minor drains are the problem here, It causes waterlogging, ” he added.