Three years after seeking Central aid,agencies lose hope

“The central government grants funding will be for the remaining work. However,since not much of work is left,we are not likely to benefit from the centre’s funding now,” D U Gajbhiye,superintending engineer at the MMRDA said.

The MMRDA had dispatched a detailed project report asking for Rs 1,670.11 crore — Rs 1,239.6 crore for the BMC and Rs 417.5 crore for the MMRDA — worth of funding from the central government under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in 2009.

However,the demand was rejected on the grounds that since Mithi is a river it does not qualify for funding under this scheme.

A revised proposal was sent in 2010 requesting for the funding to be granted under ‘additional central assistance.’ “Discussions and queries followed,but the matter is still pending. The most recent correspondence from the centre was in April 2011,” Gajbhiye said.

The MMRDA,in-charge of reviving six kms of the Mithi from its downstream to Kurla,has finished 85 per cent of the work and expects to complete the remaining work — mostly pertaining to building retaining walls — by December. The agency has already spent Rs 350 crore on the project.

The BMC,in charge of the remaining 11.8 kilometres,has completed widening,deepening and building 40 per cent of retaining walls.

The civic body is also expected to build service roads and three bridges pending clearance of encroachments.

“Till date we have called tenders worth Rs 670 crore and have completed work amounting to Rs 475 crore,” L S Vatkar,chief engineer of storm water drains at the BMC said.

“Even if the centre gives approval for the funding now it would be of some help for the remaining work,but they are not making any progress on the matter.”