BMC’s Mogra and Mahul pumping stations face delays due to land acquisition and MoEF clearances | Representational Image
Mumbai: The BMC has once again failed to commence construction on two crucial pumping stations—Mogra and Mahul. Although the cost of the disputed land for the Mogra station has been submitted to the Bombay High Court (HC) and approved by Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, the project is stalled, awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Additionally, the BMC has yet to acquire the necessary salt pan land for the Mahul pumping station, further hindering progress.
The BMC has encountered persistent challenges in acquiring land for two vital pumping stations, part of the eight projects recommended by the Chitale Committee following the 2005 Mumbai deluge. While the tender for the Mogra pumping station was finalised in 2021, the land acquisition process faced delays due to a legal dispute over ownership between two private parties.
“As per the court’s directive, we have submitted Rs. 33 crore to the HC, and the work order for the pumping station has been issued following administrative approval. We are now in the process of securing MoEF clearances, after which construction can begin immediately,” said a senior civic official.
The BMC has also faced continued setbacks in acquiring land for the Mahul pumping station, despite its efforts to coordinate with the Salt Commissioner, a Government of India entity that owns land in the area.
“The Salt Commissionerate has a policy that allows land for public sector projects, including stormwater pumping stations, to be acquired at 10% of its value. This means the BMC will need to pay Rs. 14 crore, instead of the earlier estimated Rs. 118 crore. However, another occupant of the land is demanding a 25% compensation amount based on the Rs. 100 crore valuation, which is proving to be costlier. The matter is still under discussion,” said a senior civic official.
At the time of high tide, floodgates are closed to prevent seawater from entering the city. These pumping stations pump out water from the drain and release it into the sea. Irla pumping station in Juhu was the first to be commissioned in 2010, followed by Haji Ali, Cleveland, Lovegrove in Worli and Reay road – Britannia, Gajdharbandh at Khar danda.
Mogra pumping station..
Objective – alleviating flooding in Versova, Andheri and Jogeshwari.
Cost – Rs. 393 crores
Contract period – 24 months including monsoon period.
Mahul pumping station..
Objective – solve the issue of waterlogging in Kurla, Sion, Matunga and Chembur.
Cost – Rs. 350 crores
Yet to acquire land and get environment clearances.
