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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s INR 14 crore proposal to maintain a garden and promenade along the Mithi river has been sent back by the standing committee after members found that the site was either non-existent or encroached. Concerns were raised over lack of verification, violation of buffer norms, and possible irregularities in the tender process. The committee has sought detailed clarification before reconsideration, while separately approving an INR 30 crore desilting project for the river as part of flood preparedness efforts.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s proposal to award an INR 14 crore tender for maintaining a garden and promenade along the Mithi river stretch between Kurla and Mahim has been returned by the standing committee after gaps were identified during review. Members pointed out that the proposal lacked clarity on the actual condition and availability of the site. Advertisement
A site visit carried out by committee members showed that the proposed garden was not present on the ground. Instead, large portions of the land were found to be encroached. A Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator stated during discussions that no garden existed at the location and the entire area appeared to be occupied, raising concerns about how the tender was prepared without proper verification. Members indicated that the situation pointed towards possible lapses in due diligence.
Apart from the missing site, the committee also raised concerns over violations of civic norms. As per BMC rules, a minimum 10-metre buffer zone is required along water bodies and pipelines. However, the inspection showed that this buffer space was not maintained, with encroachments visible along the riverbank. Members noted that instead of clearing these encroachments, the proposal focused on maintenance work for a facility that was not visible on site.
Given these issues, the standing committee chairperson decided not to clear the proposal and directed the civic administration to submit a detailed explanation. The proposal will be reconsidered only after officials provide clarity on land status, encroachments, and compliance with regulations.
The development comes in the context of ongoing plans for the Mithi river, which has been a focus area for both flood control and urban improvement. In the past, the BMC had proposed a larger INR 2,100 crore river rejuvenation plan that included cycle tracks, open spaces, and embankment strengthening along an 8.5-km stretch. However, progress on such plans has remained slow due to land constraints and encroachments along the river.
At the same meeting, the committee approved an INR 30 crore proposal for desilting the nearly 18-km-long Mithi river. This work is part of the city’s routine pre-monsoon preparations and is considered important for maintaining the river’s carrying capacity. The need for regular desilting has remained critical since the 2005 floods, after which the river’s role in stormwater drainage came under focus.
Past experiences have shown that delays in desilting work, along with issues in tendering and monitoring, have affected flood management efforts. Authorities have faced scrutiny in previous years over irregularities and delays in execution, which have added pressure to ensure timely completion of such projects.
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