Mumbai’s critical Mithi River desilting project has encountered a major setback as a police investigation into alleged contractual irregularities casts a cloud over ongoing operations. The situation has left the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) grappling with a severe shortage of willing and eligible contractors.
Currently, no active contractor is prepared to take up the remaining work, and with the monsoon fast approaching, officials fear the project may not be completed in time. The Mithi River, stretching over 22 kilometres, is Mumbai’s largest stormwater drain and serves as a crucial defence against urban flooding. Desilting is a key element of the city’s annual pre-monsoon flood mitigation efforts, having gained renewed urgency following the devastating deluge of 2005.
Despite starting in April, the project has seen only 53% completion so far. The desilting initiative—budgeted at nearly ₹100 crore for the period 2025 to 2027—has now slowed significantly. BMC officials attribute this to the fallout of a police probe into two contractors involved in suspected fraudulent activities. Additionally, one contractor, M/s Bhumika Transport, has been blacklisted for malpractice.
In an effort to salvage the situation, civic authorities approached contractors in Navi Mumbai and Thane to fill the gap. However, most declined involvement due to the ongoing investigation and reputational concerns. With no viable options remaining, the BMC is reluctantly considering reinstating the blacklisted contractor to carry out the remainder of the work.
“This task is vital for flood prevention. We explored alternatives, but no one is willing to take the risk. We may have no option but to proceed with M/s Bhumika Transport under close monitoring,” said a senior official.
The delay now raises serious concerns about Mumbai’s flood preparedness as the monsoon season nears.
Source: The Free press Journal
