The Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project: A Tale of Escalating Costs and Questionable Decisions
The Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project (Package III) has raised significant concerns regarding its cost escalation, monopolization, and lack of a proven concept. This package includes Dry Weather Flow Interception at Tidal Outfalls (including Gate Pumps), Transfer Sewer, Training of River (Retaining Wall & Service Road), Beautification including Promenades, and Allied Works from CST Bridge Kurla to Mahim Causeway, including Vakola River. However, the manner in which this project is being executed has left many questioning its transparency and feasibility.
A Project with a Troubled History
Initially, the consultancy for the project was handled by Frischman Prabhu, and the estimated cost was a reasonable ₹70 crore, with routine pumps being proposed. However, in a suspicious turn of events, the project scope was altered to exclusively include gate pumps, thereby eliminating technological flexibility. The tender process, instead of being technology-agnostic, appears to have been structured to facilitate cartelization and favoritism.
Unprecedented Cost Escalation
One of the most alarming aspects of this project is its staggering cost escalation. Originally pegged at ₹70 crore, the estimate has skyrocketed multiple times—from ₹350 crore to ₹900 crore and now an astronomical ₹2,100 crore. In fact in only the last 4 months an added escalation of around Rs. 400cr was done to the estimate and new quotes were called to validate such an astronomical hike. Such an exponential increase raises serious concerns about financial prudence and accountability. It appears that the project is being tailor-made to benefit India’s leading firm whose son just got married, in joint venture with Ashoka Buildcon & Akshaya Construction, under undue influence. Do I need to say why and how many calls were made to the consultants (IVL) by ‘Ajay bhai’ to send revised cost escalation. Rs 400 crores in 4 months? BMC has a lot of explanation to do., especially AMC Abhijit Bangar.
Political Influence and Backroom Deals
Reports suggest that individuals like Laqshya Gupta, (no experience of Infra development and only based on financial power) has been hobnobbing with a lot of politicians, and is allegedly in close connection with former Member of Parliament from Central Mumbai now in Eknath Shinde group. These are the people pressuring the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to proceed with the project without waiting for proof of concept. Such undue influence raises serious ethical and governance concerns. The speed in which permissions and signatures were taken to sanction the said bid is itself astonishing.
A Can of Worms Amidst Ongoing Investigations
It is disheartening that while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is already investigating the Mithi River desilting scam dating back to 2005, another financial scandal in the form of Mithi 3 is unfolding. With the state already struggling under an enormous debt and contractors awaiting payments worth thousands of crores, largely due to the government’s “Ladki Bahin” schemes, do we really need such an extravagant expenditure?
What Lies Ahead?
This is just the beginning of our exposé. In the upcoming series, we will further investigate how this tender has been systematically manipulated to serve vested interests. We urge the concerned authorities to take note and ensure that public funds are not squandered in a questionable and extravagant project that lacks transparency, feasibility, and public accountability. The citizens of Mumbai deserve better.
Stay tuned as we unravel more details in the coming days.
Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi.
