Latest news with #BrihanmumbaiMunicipalCorporation
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Heavy showers in Mumbai trigger pothole woes: Over 3,300 complaints in 12 days
After a week of heavy rainfall lashing the city, as many as 3,396 complaints over potholes were raised by residents over a period of 12 days till Tuesday afternoon. In comparison, between June and July 17, a total of 3,461 pothole grievances were flagged by the citizens. Of the total complaints raised by citizens through mediums ranging from the newly launched My Pothole Quick Fix app and WhatsApp bot channels, nearly 38 per cent of the pothole woes have emerged in Bhandup, Andheri West and Mulund. According to records, the maximum pothole grievances have been reported in S ward, Bhandup, wherein at least 1,412 potholes have surfaced since June. As potholes record an uptick across city's roads amid rising monsoon activity since June, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed a road engineer each across its 227 wards to carry out daily inspection and proactively fill pits to prevent untoward incidents. This year, the BMC also launched the My Pothole Quick Fix' app which enables citizens to flag pothole related complaints. Besides this, citizens can also flag complaints through social media, WhatsApp chatbot and the civic disaster management number. Upon receiving grievance, the civic body aims to resolve each complaint within a bracket of 24 – 48 hours. Sharp rise in complaints Data furnished by the civic body showed that between June and July 17, 3,461 complaints had been flagged by the citizens through various channels, while 3,297 other potholes had been identified by the civic engineers during their inspection. The Indian Express, in a report published July 28, highlighted that this marked a rise of at least 8 per cent complaints during the same period in the previous year, even as the mega-concretisation project is nearly halfway achieved. However, following the resurgence of monsoon activity in the previous week, more potholes have surfaced along the city's roads. While 3,461 complaints had been flagged by citizens until July 17, by Monday afternoon, the total number of pothole related complaints touched 6,859 on Tuesday afternoon. According to the pothole dashboard, these encompass woes raised by citizens using the new application as well as the WhatsApp Chatbot. Of these, the civic body had resolved 5,341 complaints until Tuesday afternoon and 1,518 potholes were being fixed. Bhandup worst hit Of the total complaints, nearly 38 complaints have been reported in three wards alone — S ward (Bhandup), K/West (Andheri) and T ward (Mulund). Bhandup, records show, is amongst the worst hit wards with maximum potholes afflicting its roads. Since June, over 1,412 complaints have been raised in Bhandup of which, the BMC has resolved 676 plaints while 736 complaints are being currently addressed. After Bhandup, the second highest complaints have been recorded in Andheri West (K/West ward) wherein citizens have raised at least 616 pothole complaints since the onset of monsoon in June until Tuesday afternoon. Of these, civic officials said that 564 complaints have been addressed, 52 are being resolved while four are under review. At 563 complaints until Tuesday afternoon, meanwhile, Mulund has the third highest number of potholes reported. Behind the high number of potholes Responding to questions about the high number of the eastern suburbs' Bhandup and Mulund belt, senior officials from the BMC pointed to a 'suo moto' pothole filling drive which was launched by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC) of Zone 6 over the weekend on July 26. 'Mulund and Bhandup, both fall under Zone 6, wherein a drive was launched to identify and fix potholes in the zone during the previous weekend. The objective was to proactively identify potholes across the ward and not wait for citizens to flag the complaints. The drive was launched during the weekend as the vehicular traffic is less during this period. Owing to this drive, it is possible that the number of potholes registered in these areas is higher compared to the other pockets,' said an official. Meanwhile, about the K/West ward (Andheri area), another official told The Indian Express, 'While we have been proactively identifying the potholes ourselves and set our ward roads to high standards, citizens in K/West ward are also generally more aware. Therefore, the number of cases reported in these wards also tend to be higher.' For the record, the K/West ward is home to 13 electoral wards. According to records, the maximum number of potholes have been observed along the non-concretised (asphalt or paver block) roads, which the civic body is fixing using mastic. For this, the BMC has been pressing an average of 8 -10 mastic cooker machines daily and laying a certain amount of mastic to fix the pits. Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior BMC official maintained, 'While we are receiving and addressing the complaints, the comparison of the numbers between wards can be misleading as they are objective. In some cases, we are observing that several people are also reporting complaints about uneven surfaces under the pothole criteria.' 'Besides this, the quantity of mastic used so far is much less than the previous year, indicating that the potholes are being fixed immediately upon being identified. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that potholes are identified and fixed at the earliest,' added the official. So far, this year, only 6,548 metric tonnes (MT) of mastic has been used to repair potholes as against 25,632 MT mastic used in 2024 in this period. In a bid to fix potholes, this year, the BMC has deployed two mastic cookers — one for potholes which are wider than 9-metre and another for smaller potholes — across each of Mumbai's wards through contractors.
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
From dense green cover to improved pathways and better illumination, BMC chalks out Shivaji Park facelift
From better walkways to improved lighting, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has chalked out a major facelift plan for the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park or Shivaji Park. Located in Dadar at Central Mumbai, Shivaji Park is a 28-acre open ground that is thronged by sports enthusiasts, evening and morning walkers, and tourists regularly. The park is also a preferred location for many politicians for holding their political rallies since the ground is located at the heart of the city. However, at present, the topography of this ground is in a barren condition and the grass on the surface has withered away with time. The top soil of this ground comprises loose red soil, which gets displaced easily leading to dust pollution at the locality. Over the past few years, the local residents have raised multiple complaints owing to this red dust issue to the civic authorities. On Tuesday morning, municipal commissioner and state appointed administrator Bhushan Gagrani visited the Shivaji Park to review its current condition. Earlier, between 2020 and 2021, the BMC had carried out a beautification plan of the park as part of which the sitting ledges were improved and heritage structures including a drinking water fountain (Pyau) was also restored. Civic officials said that as part of the new plan, the pathway of the park will also be improved, and natural grass will be planted to curb displacement issues that are being caused due to the red soil. Earlier on February this year, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had directed the civic authorities to plant grass on the existing layer of red soil to ensure that the soil becomes more fertile and the issue of dust displacement is resolved. 'The citizens have insisted the removal of entire topsoil surface to get rid of the red soil. It could be done in a phased manner so that the daily activity at the park is not affected. We will have to consult with expert horticulturists and agriculturists on this regard before the final aspect of the development plan is proposed,' a civic official said. The officials said that additionally, the BMC has also proposed improving the pathways, sitting areas and the lighting condition of the park. The officials added that the beautification of the plan will be proposed in a way to ensure that the heritage aspect of the historical ground is also reflected. Meanwhile, the officials added that the local residents will also be consulted before finalising the project blueprint.
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
What is the Korean technology BMC is replicating in Mumbai at Rs 2,300 crore to prevent waterlogging?
To prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas of Mumbai's western suburbs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come up with an ambitious plan of setting up 25 floodgates at various inter-tidal zones in the Mithi River for Rs 2,300 crore. The project is inspired by the flood control systems used by South Korea, especially in areas prone to immense flooding and tsunamis. The tender for the project is set to be floated in the next two months and the BMC has set a three-year deadline for completing the work. What is the Korean technology for operating floodgates? Like Mumbai, South Korea also experiences heavy rainfall and flash flooding during the rainy season. Its low-lying areas are susceptible to more flooding since the water comes rushing down from elevated regions to low-lying zones. Korea is also prone to tsunamis. Therefore, as a preventive measure, floodgates have been designed to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas as well as intertidal zones. These floodgates operate vertically, unlike conventional floodgates that open horizontally. Additionally, these gates have dewatering pumps that channel out surplus water which also helps in controlling the water pressure. A unique aspect of these floodgates is that the vertical gates give precise control on the water flow that allows both complete blockage and regulated release of water. Why does Mumbai prefer this Korean technology? The primary reason that this technology is preferred is because of the vertical alignment. Mithi River is narrow and will not allow the usage of horizontal floodgates. Therefore, these vertical gates will be useful since they will use lesser space and serve the purpose of water blockage. Another reason why these gates are preferred by the authorities is that they allow for precise control of the water flow which will allow civic officials to streamline the surplus water into holding tanks. This could be recycled later for non-potable usage as well. How will these gates operate in Mumbai, and which areas will get respite? Officials associated with the project said the gates will be installed in tidal zones starting from Mahim Creek and will stretch up to 8 km towards suburban Mumbai. During high tide in monsoon, these gates will be deployed and the inflow of water will be blocked. Meanwhile, a certain quantum of water will be pumped out, either into the sea or it could be transferred into holding tanks for reuse. The officials said the installation of the gates will allow respite in areas including Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Taximen's Colony in Bandra East, Dharavi, and Dadar. 'The project was first proposed in 2022. However, the design aspects were changed and a new structure has been proposed. The tenders have been approved and will be floated in the next one month. Last time, several international firms from countries like Korea, Japan and Germany had shown interest in this project,' the official said.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Mumbai's Versova To Madh Island In 10 Minutes Instead Of 1.5 Hours: Why Green Nod Matters
Curated By : Last Updated: July 28, 2025, 20:10 IST The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). (PTI File) Mumbai's Versova-Madh cable-stayed bridge: Ten years after it was proposed, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to construct a cable-stayed flyover connecting Madh Island in the western suburbs with Versova, the Indian Express reported. The bridge will provide all-weather connectivity and cut down travel time from one-and-a-half hours to 10 minutes between Madh and Versova. It will help ease traffic in Andheri, Madh, Borivali and Gorai areas of the western suburbs. The cable-stayed bridge between Madh and Versova The distance between Madh and Versova is 21 to 22 km. The idea for the bridge first came up in 1967. The proposed bridge is a cable-stayed flyover spanning about 2.06 km across the Madh Creek. It will be 27.5-m wide, with four lanes (two in each direction). What next after MoEFCC nod? Once the Bombay High Court clearance is received and the formal work order is issued—likely by late 2025, the construction is expected to begin, with full completion around 2028. How long will it take to build? The estimated construction time is approximately 36 months (about 3 years) once work begins. What is the cost of the Madh-Versova bridge? Initial tender estimates (March 2024) were around Rs 1,800 crore, but due to market adjustments, the final cost has risen and is currently pegged at Rs 2,395 crore (including GST, civil works, maintenance). How will Madh-Versova bridge ease travel? Currently, there is no direct road access between Versova and Madh Island. Commuters have to take a long detour via Link Road, S.V. Road, Western Express Highway, often taking 45–60 minutes during peak hours—and potentially up to 90 minutes during heavy traffic or monsoon disruptions. Once completed, the new flyover is expected to cut this journey down to just 5 minutes. The bridge move directly across Versova Creek instead of circling through central suburbs. The current ferry service is often suspended during the monsoons or evenings. The bridge will remain operational 365 days a year. The cable-stayed structure involves fewer piers, minimizing ecological damage to mangroves while providing direct access. Why is Madh Island a popular weekend getaway? Madh Island, located in North-West Mumbai, is famous for its scenic beaches, historic fort, film shoots, and peaceful coastal charm. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and Malad Creek, it offers a quiet escape from the city's chaos. The island is home to fishing villages like Erangal and Madh, where the local Koli and East Indian communities preserve traditional lifestyles. Its relatively secluded beaches such as Madh Beach, Erangal Beach, and Dana Pani make it a favourite weekend getaway for Mumbaikars. Madh Island is also a hotspot for Bollywood, TV, and ad film shoots, thanks to its rustic settings and private bungalows. Swipe Left For Next Video View all The historic Portuguese-built Madh Fort adds to its allure, though it's not always open to the public. Accessible by road from Malad or a short ferry ride from Versova, Madh Island is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its role in Mumbai's cultural and entertainment scene. With Agency Inputs Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More view comments News cities » mumbai-news Mumbai's Versova To Madh Island In 10 Minutes Instead Of 1.5 Hours: Why Green Nod Matters Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Inspired by South Korea, BMC to install 25 floodgates along Mithi River for Rs 2,300 crore to prevent flooding
To prevent flooding in the low-lying areas of suburban Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install new floodgates at 25 different locations along the Mithi River at a cost of Rs 2,300 crore. The 17.8 km-long river originates from the Vehar lake inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and flows into the Arabian Sea through Mahim Creek, traversing areas like Bandra Kurla Complex, Dharavi, Kurla, and Vakola, among others. Most of these areas are low-lying and get flooded every year due to the overflowing river on heavy monsoon days. Civic officials said the primary idea behind installing these floodgates is to prevent the river's overflowing water from entering residential areas and railway tracks. They added that the concept was inspired by floodgates used in South Korea – a country prone to frequent flooding and tsunamis. These floodgates will be eight to 10 metres high and operate vertically, unlike the conventional floodgates that open horizontally. Additionally, these gates will also have dewatering pumps to channel out surplus water. 'Mithi River is narrow and doesn't allow us to use horizontal floodgates. Therefore, these vertical gates will also use less space and serve the purpose of water blockage. Another unique aspect will be that vertical gates will give us precise control on the water flow that will allow both complete blockage and regulated release of water,' an official told The Indian Express. The officials said that the gates will be installed in the tidal zones starting from Mahim Creek and will go 8 km deep into suburban Mumbai. During high tide in monsoon, these gates will be deployed, and the inflow of water will be blocked. Meanwhile, a certain quantum of water will be pumped out either into the sea or could be transferred into holding tanks for reuse. The areas that will get relief from flooding after these gates are installed include Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Taximen's colony in Bandra East, Dharavi, and Dadar. 'The project was first proposed in 2022; however, the design aspects were changed, and a new structure has been proposed. The tenders have been approved and will be floated next month. Last time, several international firms from countries like Korea, Japan, and Germany had shown their interest in this project,' the official said. He added that the project will take three years to complete once the work orders are issued. In 2021, BMC installed two floodgates near the Mumbai airport from where the Mithi River flows. This move came after airline operations were hit during the monsoon owing to water entering the runway.
