Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam asked the officials to remove encroachments along the Mithi River in the city, take steps to control its pollution and submit an action taken report (ATR) within a fortnight.
Kadam gave these directions to officials during a review meeting on pollution in rivers in the metropolis, including the Mithi River, an official release said.
The minister set a 15-day deadline before the officials concerned for removal of encroachments and illegal constructions along the Mithi River and submission of the ATR in this regard. He also ordered the staff to submit a report on measures to avoid further pollution of the river.
The Mithi River gained prominence after the July 26, 2005 deluge, which wreaked havoc in Mumbai, as the megapolis was flooded after receiving torrential rains. During the flooding, which claimed several hundred lives; areas around Mithi River were the most affected.
Of the total flow of Mithi River, its six kilometer stretch in under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), while the remaining 11-km stretch is under the jurisdiction of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Around 67 points have been identified by the Environment Department, which bring pollutants into the river.
