Desilting work along Mumbai’s crucial Mithi River has reportedly come to a standstill, with no cleaning activity carried out in at least eight key stretches over the past six months, triggering alarm among residents and civic activists. The river, which plays a vital role in draining stormwater during the monsoon, is now heavily clogged with silt, debris, and waste, raising fears of flooding once the rains begin.
According to civic sources, delays in contracts, tender processes, and coordination between multiple agencies have slowed the annual desilting schedule. Environmentalists warn that the lack of timely maintenance could severely reduce the river’s carrying capacity, increasing the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Kurla, Saki Naka, and Dharavi.
Local residents have expressed frustration, noting that incomplete work in previous years had already weakened flood-prevention efforts. Experts stress that pre-monsoon desilting is critical to avoid a repeat of past flood disasters that disrupted daily life and damaged property.
Officials say revised timelines are being prepared and work will resume soon, but concerns persist as the monsoon approaches. Civic groups are urging authorities to expedite the process and ensure regular monitoring to safeguard the city against potential flooding and environmental hazards. News as reported
