Mithi river put on oxygen in makeover experiment

For the purpose,the MMRDA has rented an oxygen infusion device called DynamOx from Environmental Consulting Technology Inc. (ECT),a US-based agency,which has been applying this technology effectively for River Rogue in Michigan and other water bodies in the US. 

The 18-km Mithi river runs from Vihar,Powai to Mahim Causeway,and untreated waste is dumped into it through 43 drains along its stretch. 

Gaikwad said that the results of this experiment are expected by February next year. “National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) will study and evaluate the results of the device,after which the MMRDA will decide on the course ahead,” he added. 

‘DynamOx’ automatically oxidises about 15 gallons of water every minute,and runs round the clock. The device will not only help reduce fetid stink but will also help fish habitation. “The ECT has already imparted training to the electrical and mechanical engineers of the MMRDA. They have also agreed to technology transfer to facilitate manufacturing of such tools,” said Dilip Kawathkar,Joint Project Director (PR).

Meanwhile,B Kastury of ECT said,“This is a patented technology. But we will certainly share all the technical and related expertise with the MMRDA and help them produce bigger devices in India itself. This will save a lot of expenditure and make the project more economical.”