Desilting of drains and rivers across Mumbai is currently underway ahead of the monsoon, with a target of 100 per cent completion by 31 May 2026.
According to a statement by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, along with Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, on Wednesday, 8 April, conducted on-ground inspections of ongoing drain-cleaning works at key locations, including the Mithi River at Jetvan Garden near MMRDA office in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, the Nehru Science Centre drain in Worli, and the Dadar-Dharavi drain.
During the inspection, Bhide directed that silt and garbage be removed on priority from locations where water accumulation occurs during the monsoon, including across the Mithi River catchment and drains across the city.
She directed that time-bound planning should be done to ensure that drain cleaning is 100% completed by 31 May 2026.
She also instructed that manholes and covers along major stormwater drains be inspected.
Highlighting structural concerns, Bhide noted that portions of the upstream wall along the Dadar-Dharavi drain have collapsed at certain locations.
She directed ward officials and the stormwater drains department to undertake immediate repair works in coordination.
She also instructed that mesh barriers be installed at locations where garbage dumping in drains is observed.
According to the BMC, desilting works under all three packages of the Mithi River are currently underway at six locations.
After reviewing the remaining timeline package-wise and assessing the machinery, Bhide instructed that the pace of work should be increased.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam, Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drains) Kalpana Raul, Deputy Chief Engineer Sanjay Ingale and other officials were present during the inspection.
