Incomplete work at pumping stations raise flood concerns

Rs 1,200 cr project was sanctioned after 2005 deluge; city faces heavy rains, high tide later this month

 If the city floods this year, it will be because work on four floodwater pumping stations sanctioned for Rs 1,200 crore by the Centre, have still not been completed. The stations at Versova, Worli, Irla and Haji Ali, were promised to Mumbai under the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drains (BRIMSTOWAD) project after the deluge of July 26, 2005.
    On Wednesday, after the city witnessed 142.38 mm of rain, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had to use pumps to drain out flood waters from several areas. If at least two of the proposed stations – at Irla and Haji Ali – had been functional before the monsoon, flooding would have been far less, admitted engineers at the BMC.
PROJECT DELAYED DUE TO
REHABILITATION OF SLUMS
"The full-fledged commissioning of two major pumping stations will start from October. But we are planning to make the Irla and Haji Ali pumping stations operational before July 24 as heavy rains and high tides are expected," said R A Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner.
    The BMC is planning to start four of the eight pumps at Irla and two of the six pumps at Haji Ali pumping stations.
    Officials said the delay in completing the project of the four pumping stations has been delayed due to the problem of rehabilitation of slums. The central government has allocated Rs 500 crore in the 2009-10 budget for BRIMSTOWAD. The civic administration has spent Rs 437 crore of the total Rs 500 crore released under the scheme.
WATERY WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, the city was flooded until afternoon though water receded later during the day.
    While places near Andheri, Vile Parle and Santacruz stations are perennial flooding spots, water logging was reported near Hindmata, Slater Road, Gol Dewal, Nair Road as well. Except for heavy vehicles and SUV cars, other modes of road transport, including taxis did not ply on these roads.
    "I waded through water this morning during my visit to flooded spots but the water receded faster this year, compared to last," Rajeev added.
AVERAGE RAINFALL
City: 142.38 mm Eastern suburbs: 47.82 mm Western suburbs: 46.96 mm

A flooded road at Currey Road near NM Joshi Marg. On Wednesday, after the city witnessed 142.38 mm of rain, the BMC had to use pumps to drain out flood waters from several areas