BMC is all set for three city rivers’ rejuvenation

Proposal was finally accepted at standing committee meet

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will appoint a project management consultancy (PMC) for improving water quality and rejuvenating three city rivers — Poisar, Dahisar and Oshiwara.

The proposal was tabled before the standing committee for a final nod on Wednesday where corporators, after detailed discussion, accepted the proposal.

Once appointed, the PMC is expected to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for rejuvenation of the rivers within six months. “The said consultant will prepare the DPR in next five months which will be submitted to the corporation. They have to plan and come up with measures that are environment-friendly. It is not just about rejuvenation of the rivers but also beautification of the same,” said V H Khandkar, chief engineer SWD, in standing committee while clarifying corporators' doubts.

“Primary priority will be given to improving water quality, restricting sewer water released from slums, housing societies, and factories around these rivers and construction of retaining walls,” Khandkar added.

Corporators from all the parties sought clarity on the project and asked the need to appoint a consultant for the same. They also alleged that proposals had been floated for rejuvenation of Mithi river as well but in vain. “The whole problem began after the 2005 floods following which tenders were floated for Mithi but they have not moved further even after long discussions,” said Prabhakar Shinde, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator.

The BMC had floated tenders for appointing consultants for the project, mainly on diversion of sewage lines and beautification of the surrounding area last year. The civic body, in its 2018-19 budget, had made a provision of Rs 205.50 crore for the project.

Manoj Kotak, BJP group leader, asked, “What were we doing until 2018? Why suddenly does the corporation feel the need to appoint a consultant now? There should be a clear picture of illegal constructions being carried out around the periphery of the rivers in the report.”

Once appointed, the PMC is expected to submit a Detailed Project Report for rejuvenation of

Poisar, Dahisar and Oshiwara rivers within six months