Mithi Maha Yagna has been organized on the bank of Mithi at Kranti Nagar, Kurla, on 26^th July on the eve of completion of 3^rd year of the deluge.  BJP leader, Dr. Kirit Somaiya informed that 10 families, who lost their near and dear ones in the Mithi 26^th July incident are participating in the Yagna. 

State Govt. claimed Rs.12,000 crores damages incurred 3years back on 26^th July.  600 died and thousands of houses were destroyed.  Many committees, experts observations, announcements, commitments were seen immediately after 26^th July incident.  Stock taking shows “all these plans, announcements are yet to get started except Mithi”. 

Men missing 

135 persons were declared missing in the 26^th July incident.  82 of them were subsequently found dead.  Their bodies were recovered from various flooded areas and handed over to the families.  25, who were stranded, were found subsequently.  28 persons are yet missing. 

20 bodies were left unclaimed with Mumbai Police. 

Mithi work half way 

·    Mithi rejuvenation work got delayed.  Contractors were found adopting corrupt practices but the sustained follow up and fear of High Court helped to give momentum to Mithi rejuvenation work.  In these 3 years, it has reached half way.  In the current year, MMRDA had removed 16.4 lakh c.meters of silt.  Of this, 12.5 lakh c.meters were shifted to various dumping grounds.  Contractors are transporting the remaining silt during monsoon.

·    BMC has completed major part of removal and transportation of silt in their section of Mithi stretch.  Almost 8 lakh c.meters have been removed and transported in these 3 years.

·    Construction of retaining wall on both sides of Mithi river is started in the BMC zone.  BMC expect to complete the retaining wall work by next year.

·    Widening and re-construction of Mithi River is yet to start.  There is a need to give push and momentum to the same.

·    Widening of Mithi is done in 19 km patch.  Remaining 2 km widening is to be completed next year. 

Other 5 rivers work not started 

Other major and important rivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan region are non-starters.  Dahisar, Poisar, Oshiwara, Waldhuni, Ulhas rivers have also created major problems during the 26^th July deluge.  State Govt. made various announcements but nothing is done on these rivers in the last 36 months. 

BRIMSTOWADT Status 

The tale of BRIMSTOWADT in a way is nothing different from that of 26^th July incident.  Work yet to start.  Though action plan has been put in place last year, tendering process also completed, actual work is yet to start. 

Flow of funds  

Govt. of India, Prime Minister made announcement of Rs.1,200 crores for Mithi and Mumbai.  Not a single paisa has arrived in these 3 years.  The State Govt. had asked for Rs.12,000 crores relief from the Centre.  The proposal was rejected in toto.  State Govt. has not given a single paise for Mumbai rejuvenation work. 

Relief and corruption 

2 years are over to receiving CAG reports, observation of corruption of relief and rehabilitation work of 26^th July.  The State Govt. appointed a Committee.  Reports and recommendations for strong action received 15 months back.  All reports are lying in the files.  No action has been taken against corrupt officials, contractors and so-called social workers in these 36 months.