BMC Seeks ₹21.03 Crore More For Mithi River Project

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is seeking an additional ₹21.03 crore for the Mithi River Rejuvenation Project, following a hike in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 12% to 18%. This increase has pushed the project cost from ₹604.30 crore to ₹625.34 crore.

The proposal for the additional funds will be presented to the BMC Standing Committee on Wednesday. The Mithi River Rejuvenation Project is a crucial initiative aimed at reducing pollution in the river, which is Mumbai's primary stormwater channel. The project involves the construction of a sewage tunnel linking Bapat Nullah and Safed Pool Nullah to the proposed Dharavi Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

The 17.8-km-long Mithi River carries surplus water from Powai and Vihar lakes during the monsoon and receives untreated sewage throughout the year. The BMC adopted a four-phase strategy to reduce pollution in the river, with Phase IV involving the construction of the sewage tunnel. The tunnel is designed to divert an estimated 168 million litres per day (MLD) of dry-weather flow from Bapat Nullah and Safed Pool Nullah to the proposed Dharavi STP for treatment.

The contract for the project was awarded in 2021 to the J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.–Michigan Engineers Pvt. Ltd. joint venture for ₹604.30 crore, with a four-year completion period. The project has achieved 96.67% progress, with only shaft-related works remaining. However, the contractor has sought reimbursement of the additional GST burden following the Centre's revision of the tax rate, prompting the BMC to seek approval for the revised project cost.

The Mithi River Rejuvenation Project is crucial for Mumbai, as it aims to intercept untreated sewage before it enters the river. The project will help reduce pollution in the river and improve the overall water quality. The BMC is working to complete the project as soon as possible, with the additional funds being sought to cover the increased cost due to the GST hike.

The Mithi River originates near Vihar Lake and empties into the Arabian Sea at Mahim Causeway. The river is maintained by the BMC and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), with the BMC responsible for 11.8 km of the river's length. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the environment and public health in Mumbai, and the BMC is working to ensure its timely completion.

In terms of impact, the project will benefit Mumbai residents by reducing pollution in the river and improving the overall water quality. The project will also help to prevent flooding in the city during the monsoon season, which is a major concern for residents. The BMC is working to complete the project as soon as possible, and the additional funds being sought will help to ensure its timely completion.

The BMC Standing Committee will review the proposal for the additional funds on Wednesday, and a decision is expected soon. The project is a major initiative for the BMC, and the additional funds will help to ensure its success. The Mithi River Rejuvenation Project is a crucial step towards improving the environment and public health in Mumbai, and the BMC is working to ensure its timely completion.

The project's completion will have a significant impact on the city's infrastructure and environment. The reduced pollution in the river will improve the overall water quality, and the project will help to prevent flooding in the city during the monsoon season. The BMC is working to complete the project as soon as possible, and the additional funds being sought will help to ensure its timely completion.

In conclusion, the Mithi River Rejuvenation Project is a crucial initiative for Mumbai, and the BMC is working to ensure its timely completion. The additional funds being sought will help to cover the increased cost due to the GST hike, and the project is expected to have a significant impact on the environment and public health in the city. The BMC Standing Committee will review the proposal for the additional funds on Wednesday, and a decision is expected soon.