Metro work raises flood fear

The MMRDA that is in the process of cutting the hillock plans to construct the road over which piers of the metro would be erected subsequently at an elevation of nearly 3 metre from the existing level.

With this elevation of the road level, the adjoining buildings would be highly susceptible to waterlogging in an area which gets flooded every monsoon.

Known as the 8220;missing link8221; along the alignment of the first metro corridor, the MMRDA recently began work of cutting down the hillock. According to K P Maheshwari, Director of the Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd, the SPV formed to execute the project, since the handover by the MMRDA after constructing the road would have taken time, the MMOPL started the piling work on the area. 8220;If MMRDA would have constructed the road and then handed it over for piling work it would have taken a lot more time. Therefore, what we suggested was MMRDA start the cutting of the hillock and simultaneously, in patches, piling could start. Once the piles are done, they can start the road construction,8221; Maheshwari explained.

He added, 8220;The road level would be elevated by around 3 metre.8221; When queried about the risk of flooding due to the elevation, an MMRDA spokesperson said, 8220;We8217;re maintaining the specifications and will take precautions to prevent flooding in the area, by laying down proper drainage facilities.8221;

The MMOPL will soon start the piling work on the Asalpha village road. Traffic to and from Ghatkopar will be hurt when piling begins. 8220;The entire road will be closed for traffic for piling work as it is a narrow stretch. We have requested the traffic police to divert traffic and will start work soon,8221; said Maheshwari.