The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Wednesday that 82.31 % of its targeted pre-monsoon desilting work has been completed across Mumbai’s rivers and stormwater drains. The civic body aimed to remove a total of 9,68,008 metric tonnes of silt before the onset of the monsoon this year and has so far extracted approximately 7,96,765 metric tonnes.
This desilting effort includes the Mithi River, where the BMC set a target to clear 2,14,315 metric tonnes of silt. To date, 1,32,545 metric tonnes — or 61.85 % — has been removed. The civic body noted that desilting work on the Mithi River has faced delays due to unforeseen challenges but remains confident that the project will be completed with additional resources deployed.
In a move to improve transparency and efficiency, the BMC has incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into the desilting operations. AI surveillance has helped monitor progress closely and led to fines exceeding Rs 3 crore being imposed on contractors for non-compliance.
The desilting activities began in March, coinciding with an early monsoon onset that brought record-breaking rainfall in May. Although the early rains slowed progress, major drains were largely cleared by the first week of June. Desilting work will continue during and after the monsoon season to ensure optimal drainage.
To maintain accountability, contractors are now required to submit 30-second video clips and photographs for all desilting tasks. For minor drains, CCTV footage before and after clearing is mandatory. All visual data is analysed using AI systems to ensure quality control and transparency.
These annual desilting efforts are crucial for preventing waterlogging during heavy rains, enabling quicker drainage and reducing flood risks across the city.
Source: Mid-day
