Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 27: The Maharashtra government on Thursday assured the Assembly that cattle sheds located along riverbanks in Mumbai will be removed and cleaning of water bodies expedited, after ruling party MLAs criticised their own administration over the slow pace of river rejuvenation projects.
During a discussion in the House, legislators expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Mumbai’s rivers, citing pollution, garbage dumping, encroachments and illegal structures along riverbanks as major obstacles to restoration efforts. They warned that the delays could heighten the risk of flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier proposed relocating cattle from riverbank areas to Dapchari in Palghar district, following a 2023 directive from the Bombay High Court.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Dilip Lande alleged that black oil was being discharged into the Mithi River and demanded immediate action against those responsible. MLAs across party lines called for a time-bound clean-up drive.
Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal said directives would be issued to the BMC and other concerned agencies to initiate action and speed up the river cleaning process.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar questioned the role of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), asking why visible violations had not been acted upon. He directed the board to take immediate steps and submit a report within a week detailing action taken.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi raised concerns about the condition of the Dahisar River and sought a timeline for completion of cleaning work. BJP MLAs Manisha Choudhary and Yogesh Sagar also pointed out that tabelas continue to operate along riverbanks despite High Court orders for their removal. They questioned the BMC for failing to act against errant owners and for not clearing encroachments.
Following the devastating 2005 Mumbai floods, an expert panel had recommended cleaning and deepening of the city’s rivers to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
Mumbai’s key rivers include the Mithi River, which originates from the overflow of Powai and Vihar lakes and drains into the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek; the Dahisar River, which rises from Tulsi Lake within Sanjay Gandhi National Park before emptying into the sea; and the Poisar River, which flows through Kandivli into Marve Creek and eventually the Arabian Sea.
With the monsoon approaching, legislators stressed that swift action is essential to reduce flood risk and restore the health of the city’s rivers.