Activists claim that such constructions, which violate the buffer zone requirement, pose significant environmental and flood-related risks
An excavator removes silt from the Mithi river. File Pic/Nimesh Dave
Under the Development Plan (DP) of Mumbai 2034, a buffer zone was designated on either side of all four rivers of Mumbai, Mithi, Oshiwara, Dahisar and Poisar serving as a detention basin to retain excess rainwater.
Now, an activist has raised concerns over a growing number of illegal constructions near rivers in recent years, warning that these structures could block water flow during heavy rain, creating a dangerous situation. He pointed out one such building in Marol, located right next to the Mithi River near T2. The structure has been under construction for over five years and is now nearly complete.
Activists claim that such constructions, which violate the buffer zone requirement, pose significant environmental and flood-related risks.
Multiple such constructions can be found along Mithi river, which could possibly lead to further flooding this year. With the early monsoon starting in Mumbai, the construction site in Marol already faced waterlogging due to its area being low-lying.
It is distressing that construction is allowed near buffer zones. These need to be investigated in double quick time. The fact that these come up at all in the areas shows that our system is at fault. If an area is designated a buffer zone, a detention basin to retain excess rainwater, it must be free to do the task/role that it has been designated for. Obstructions make the buffer zone designation farcical. It becomes some kind of feel-good phrase without any real value.
This is a city where rainwater seems to have nowhere to go. With rampant construction, blocking of all drainage and construction near rivers, where is the water supposed to flow out from?
Our water bodies are filled with waste and sewage. We seemed to be boxed in completely. Any system designed for relief from floods needs to be able to work well.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
