Nullah-work to give Ghatkopar area relief by next year

After 10 years of delay, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally started widening and desilting work of the Vallabh Baug storm water drain in Ghatkopar. The work, once completed by next monsoon, will prevent water-logging in areas like Pant Nagar, Hingwala lane, Sai Baba Nagar, Naidu Colony and Mahatma Phule Nagar.

According to the civic body, during heavy rains, water did not flow out of these areas in Ghatkopar, resulting in water-logging. “As per the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Disposal (BRIMSTOWAD) committee recommendations, the 1.5-2 metre-wide drain is being widened to 3 metres and will be realigned. This should have been done earlier but hundreds of structures on both sides had to be demolished and families rehabilitated,” said assistant municipal commissioner Bhagyashri Kapse.

Almost a kilometre-long, the drain has about 820 structures that need to be demolished, some partially and some completely, added the official. Of these, 193 have been demolished already. “Those who are eligible for rehabilitation will be provided alternate accommodation as soon as possible,” said Kapse.

The Vallabh Baug drain joins the Laxmi Baug drain, a major drain in the eastern suburbs. BMC will widen and clean only 255 metres of the drain prior to the onset of monsoons this year. The remaining 930 metres will be desilted after monsoon. Following completion of the work next year, rainwater in the said flood-prone areas will drain out faster.