The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has moved a step closer to Mithi River development with the construction of a wooded bund on its banks as per the recommendations of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS),Pune. The Rs 50-lakh development of the wooded bund on Mithi River is expected to complete by August end,MMRDA officials said. In its report,the CWPRS had made several recommendations for the development and protection of Mithi River,including development of the wooded bund,besides construction of a gabion (retaining) wall and service roads on the bank of the river. According to MMRDA,following the CWPRS recommendations,the authority has drawn up Rs 9.8-crore project which included construction of an eco-friendly gabion wall,service roads and development of the wooded bund along the bank. During the Assembly Session on July 23,Shiv Sena MLAs had raised the issue of destruction of mangroves in the attempt to beautify Mithi at several locations including spots around quarters in BKC where Metropolitan Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad resides. Following which the government has assured that they would investigate the matter and would act against officials if found guilty of destroying mangroves. MMRDA officials said that experts from Tata Consulting Engineers,which is monitoring the Mithi River Development Project along with the MMRDA officials took immense care to make sure no mangroves were damaged during the development of the wooded bund. The 900-metre wooded bund,on the Mithi bank,includes plantation of trees including coconut,nut,ficus benjamina and plumeria alba trees and Singaporean coconut palms. These Singaporean Coconut Palms have been brought from Andhra Pradesh. Besides this plantation,a Correan Carpet Lawn which is a ready effect lawn with mounds and sitting arrangements has also been set up on a 400-meter stretch,MMRDA officials said.
