Mithi River

Recently, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police arrested a 49-year-old contractor in connection with the multi-crore Mithi River desilting fraud. The scam has resulted in significant financial losses, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) losing over ?65 crore.

This fraud involves the mismanagement and fraudulent practices related to the desilting operations of the Mithi River, a vital watercourse that flows through Mumbai.

About Mithi River

The Mithi River is an important river flowing through the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and plays a crucial role in the city’s drainage and monsoon water management systems. Here are some key details about the river:

Origin and Course:
- The river originates from the overflow of Vihar Lake and also receives water from Powai Lake, which is located approximately 2 km downstream.
- It flows through some of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas, including Powai, Saki Naka, Kurla, Kalina, Vakola, Bandra Kurla Complex, Dharavi, and Mahim.
- After traveling 18 km, the river discharges into the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek.
River Characteristics:
- In its upper reaches, the Mithi River has an average width of 5 meters.
- The river has been expanded over the years, particularly after the devastating 26 July 2005 floods, which resulted in the river being widened to 25 meters in the middle reaches and up to 70 meters in the lower reaches.
- The river is a seasonal watercourse, primarily depending on monsoonal rainfall for water flow.
Importance:
- The Mithi River is an important part of Mumbai's stormwater drainage system and helps manage the excess rainwater during the monsoon.
- The city has faced significant challenges in managing the river, especially with flooding issues, which have been exacerbated by encroachments and illegal construction along its banks.
Environmental Issues:
- Over the years, the Mithi River has suffered from severe pollution due to untreated sewage and industrial waste being discharged into it.
- The river's desilting and cleaning efforts have been a key focus of the BMC to ensure better drainage and reduce flood risks. However, corruption and mismanagement, as evidenced by the recent fraud, have hampered these efforts.

Source: THE HINDU

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