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- By Parinda News Bureau, February 21, 2006, 09:31 IST
Mumbai: Eight months after the havoc caused by drainage failure during the record rains because of the `disappearing mithi river`, the time has come to restore the river to its past glory. Rs thirty crore have been earmarked for this. Eight firms are in the running for the contract to begin the work in early March.
Monday is the last date for submission of tenders for the project. The last date for submission for tenders for the second bigger phase that will cost Rs 100 crore, is Tuesday.
MMRDA officials added that the first phase would entail the widening and desilting of the river from Mahim causeway to Dharavi bridge and Vakola Nala to CSE bridge. The second phase will involve further widening and deepening of the river.
MMRDA officials said that the first phase of the widening would increase the capacity of the river by at least double. Around 6,000 structures that had blocked the path of the widening programme will be removed.
MMRDA has also planned beautification of the river after the widening and desilting are completed. A marina with a floating jetty and restaurant are planned at a cost of Rs 15 crore.
MMRDA planners are using a futuristic model to study the Mithi's health over the next 25 years but as of now the emphasis is on getting things going before the next monsoon so as to prevent any flooding.
Earlier planners had done immense damage by not taking into account the river's natural course and instead put up obstructions in its path.
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