RMC to change course of natural drain that caused accident 9 months ago

“Currently, the drain flows beneath two commercial complexes — S Shivam-I and Shivam-II,” said RMC standing committee chairman Jaymin Thakar.

In 1992, RMC allowed construction on the natural drain but since it was a danger to public safety based on a recent assessment, Thakar said it was “decided to change the course of the drain and divert it away from the complexes, on the posh Yagnik Road, by constructing a 110-metre-long box culvert”.

Thakar said the committee approved the proposal for the Rs 4.91-crore reinforced cement concrete (RCC) channel, which will be nine metres wide and three metres deep, and will be covered with a slab.

“The channel diverting the drain will start from the Sarveshwar Chowk’s western edge, cross Yagni Road and meet the drain near the dolls museum west of Yagnik Road,” said Thakar.

Stating that “the diversion channel will be amply wide and deep which can handle flow of water,” Thakar said there are no informed flood risks regarding the drain.

The committee rejected a proposal for a private consultant at the cost of Rs 48.90 lakh for developing a multi-level parking lot in Sarveshwar Chowk.

Signifying that RMC engineers are competent enough, the chairman said, “Why waste around Rs 50 lakh of taxpayers money by engaging some private players?”