BJP demands explanation and apology from the Chief Minister, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, for declaring Mithi River as NALA.  The ‘atma’ of 550 people will not find peace unless Mithi rejuvenation work is completed.  Is this a game to accommodate a couple of major builders in and around Bandra Kurla Complex, questioned BJP leader, Dr. Kirit Somaiya.  Is it to accommodate their SRA schemes?  Is it not an insult of 126 lakh Mumbaikars?  Is it not contempt of Court?  

Dr. Somaiya vows that he will not allow the Congress Governments to play with the lives of Mumbaikars and get Mithi river converted into Mithi nala.  

The infighting between the State Govt., Govt. of India, Mithi Authority, MMRDA, SRA has resulted in “no progress” since June 2006, charged Dr.Somaiya.  MMRDA, in a recent communication to Dr. Somaiya has stated that only Rs.41 crores have been spent since 26^th July 2005 of Rs.570 crore Mithi River Project proposal in the MMRDA jurisdiction. Of Rs.41 crores, Rs.38 crores was spent till June 2006.  

It may be noted that the total cost of Mithi Project, as per the Govt.’s submission to Mumbai High Court, is Rs.1,200 crores.  According to MMRDA, 35% of this amount  was to be contributed by Govt. of India and 15% from Govt. of Maharashtra.  But nothing has come till now.  Actually Govt. of India has turned down the Project.  

Dr. Somaiya has strongly condemned the apathy of the Govt. of Maharashtra & Govt. of India .  It is sheer insult of Mumbaikars.  It may be noted that Mithi on 26^th July 2005 has taken the lives of 550 Mumbaikars.  

The differences and infighting between various Government agencies are the major reasons for the meager work of Mithi in the last 30 months.  It is also charged that the State Govt. is trying to accommodate few and wants to reduce the width of Mithi and Vakola rivers at various places.