No lessons learnt from Mumbai 2005 floods? Mithi river restoration authority never met since Fadnavis became CM
The Mithi river development authority has not had a single meeting since Devendra Fadnavis assumed charge as Maharashtra chief minister in October 2014, reveals an RTI query.
In Short
- Mithi river had overflown during Mumbai floods in 2005
- Mithi river development authority came into existence
- No meeting of river authority since Fadnavis became CM
For Mumbaikars, a mention of Mithi river will bring back the memories of the 2005 floods when the polluted and choked river had overflown on to the streets.
In the wake of the devastating floods in 2005, the Mithi River Development and Protection Authority was formed to restore the river and ensure that a repeat of the 2005 episode is avoided.
The Mithi River Development and Protection Authority is chaired by the Maharashtra chief minister. The authority, however, has not had a single meeting since Devendra Fadnavis assumed charge as the state's chief minister in October 2014.
The information was shared by the Mithi River Development and Protection Authority in response to an RTI query.
"Mithi river is a crucial asset for Mumbai. If the body, which has been specially constituted for the river restoration, is not holding meetings, then it is cause of concern and shows lack of political will," said Anil Galgali, who had filed the RTI application.
Besides the chief minister, the chief secretary is the chairman of an empowered committee formed to implement the policies of the Mithi River Development and Protection Authority.
The river flows for 17.8 km before merging into the Arabian Sea. Of the entire stretch, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai is tasked with looking after 11.8 km (from Vihar Lake to CST bridge) while the Mithi River Development and Protection Authority has to oversee the remaining 6-km stretch.
"I strongly feel that we have to re-develop Mithi River, and only then can we develop Mumbai. We cannot ignore Mithi and think of development of Mumbai," said Gautam Kirtane, an expert on the Mithi river issue.
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