The MMRDA has focussed more on cosmetic part of road development only. Highways which had open strips of lands by their sides and could act as holding basins/ drains are filled up and converted into service roads. As a result there was no way for the water to recede. Are the new drains by sides of highways designed for total surface runoff or do they simply cater to the road drainage?
Hastily implemented schemes by the state govt have also added to the woes. This year, there is one more casualty – Goregaon- from WEH to West as well. Reason: Highway development without proper thought to drainage and uncontrolled reclamation on the Oshiwara side where the water ultimately drains in to sea. So this year our leaders will have one more point on agenda besides Mithi, Poisar, Dahisar– Goregaon.
More schemes, more authorities to be formed, more postings for government officials as Chief Officers/ Project Directors. But let the people suffer. Never since the construction of the WEH and EEH were they flooded. They started to flood since last year.
Everybody can be forgiven for last year’s deluge. But this year??? The BMC was not part of the developments along the highways or SV road, LBS Marg. Then why is everybody blaming the BMC?
In fact, BMC’s staff, including the commissioner, are out in the field to help citizens. But everybody seems to be having one point agenda – BLAME BMC for what it is not really responsible. It has merely remained as agency at the receiving end of the citizens to give relief from wrong approach of the government while nobody even remotely talks of the agency which carried out the road works without proper thought for other infrastructure. Really it’s time for introspection before raising a finger towards BMC.
V Manohar
Mumbai
URL- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1707001.cms