Mumbai’s Mithi River To Get 27 Floodgates Along Its Banks To Tackle Flooding In Low-Lying Areas Of The City

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) intends to place 27 floodgates in the tidal influence zone of the Mithi River in order to mitigate the issues caused by river bank overflow and flooding in low-lying areas.

The installation of floodgates will benefit those residing from the domestic airport area to Mahim Causeway and areas like Sion, Chunabhatti and LBS Marg, especially residents who previously had to vacate their homes every time the Mithi river overflowed.

According to Hindustan Times report, the tenders for Phase-3 of the Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project will be invited in 10 days.

A civic official overseeing the Mithi river rejuvenation project stated that the work will begin from the river stretch at Kurla’s CST Road bridge to Mahim Causeway, including the Vakola leg of the river.

The project will include development of sewer lines, retaining walls, and service roads.

Additionally, sewer pumping stations will be installed, and measures such as interceptions and diversions will be implemented to redirect the dry weather flow from different outfalls/nallahs into the adjacent municipal sewer networks.

Along with this, there will be an 8.8 km beautification project, including promenades and allied works.

According to the official, the riverbed in this area is flat. However, problems arise when heavy rainfall occurs simultaneously with high tide.  

The Mithi river has previously been incapable of handling the stormwater from catchment areas while being inundated with its tidal waters.

To address this, floodgates with pumps will be installed at the end of each outfall.

“The floodgates will be closed during high tide to prevent the entry of water into the stormwater drains,” the official said. Conversely, during low tide, the floodgates will be opened to allow stormwater to flow into the river.

Additionally, the project will involve the installation of 27 mini pumping stations at the outfalls of the river. Unlike traditional pumping stations that require additional land acquisition, this project will not need any.

In 2017, the BMC enlisted the services of M/s Frischmann Prabhu (I) Pvt Ltd for the Mithi River Pollution Control Project.

Based on surveys and studies, the consultant suggested measures for controlling pollution in the river, with short-term and long-term works proposed in four different phases to divert 285 MLD of dry weather flow to the municipal sewer system.

While the estimated cost of the project has not yet been disclosed, all residents entitled to alternative accommodation will be rehabilitated as a result of the project, with an estimated completion deadline of three years.