The state government has assured the removal of tabelas (cattle sheds) near rivers in Mumbai and expedited the cleaning process of water bodies as ruling party MLAs criticised their own government for slow progress of river rejuvenation projects in Mumbai.
During a discussion in the Assembly on Thursday, MLAs raised concerns about the poor condition of Mumbai’s rivers. The legislators said that pollution, garbage dumping, encroachment, and illegal structures along riverbanks were delaying restoration efforts and increasing the risk of flooding during the monsoon season.
Shifting cattle
The civic body had earlier proposed shifting cattle from riverbank areas in Mumbai to Dapchari in Palghar district, following a 2023 directive from the Bombay High Court.
2023
Year BMC proposed shifting cattle after HC order
Damage to Mithi
Oil being discharged: Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) MLA Dilip Lande alleged that black oil is being discharged into the Mithi River Action assured: MLAs demanded an immediate clean-up, along with strict action against those responsible. Responding to the demands, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal said, “Directives will be issued to the BMC and other agencies concerned, to initiate action and expedite the river cleaning work.”
Report within a week: Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar questioned the role of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), stating that when the violations were clearly visible, why officials had failed to take action. “The MPCB should immediately take action and, within a week, inform the House about the steps taken,” he said.
MLAs demand accountability
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi. File pic; BJP MLA Manisha Choudhary. File pic/Satej Shinde; BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi raised the issue of the Daishar River and demanded a timeline for the completion of cleaning work. Participating in the discussion, MLA Manisha Choudhary and MLA Yogesh Sagar (both from the BJP) highlighted how cowsheds continue on the bank or river, despite high court orders to remove all tabelas from Mumbai. The MLAs further questioned the BMC over not initiating action against erring tabela owners, and for non-removal of encroachment along the river.
Why cleaning matters
After the 2005 deluge, an expert panel appointed to suggest steps to avoid a recurrence had recommended the cleaning and deepening of the city’s rivers.
Rivers of Mumbai
Mithi River: Located on Salsette Island, it originates from the overflow of Powai Lake and Vihar Lake. It flows through central Mumbai and drains into the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek
Dahisar River: Originates from Tulsi Lake inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park and flows through the Dahisar area before emptying into the Arabian Sea
Poisar River: Begins in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and flows through Kandivli before draining into Marve Creek, which eventually connects to the Arabian Sea
Oshiwara River: Originates in Aarey Milk Colony and flows westward into Malad Creek, and ultimately the Arabian Sea
