Mumbai Citizens Forum

The complete dewatering of Swami Vivekanand Sarovar #BandraTalao @mybmcWardHW has now exposed some uncomfortable truths - exactly the concerns repeatedly raised earlier. The emptied talao clearly shows there is no major sewerage connectivity flowing into the lake from surrounding areas, despite this being used as one of the justifications for costly interventions. What is now visible is equally important, the natural springs remain active even after complete dewatering, with water still percolating into the talao. This raises serious concerns, during desilting and dredging, what safeguards exist to protect these natural springs?? Any damage could permanently alter the talao’s ecology and even risk drying up this historic water body in future. If sewer inflow was not the real issue, was an expensive Sewerage Treatment Plant even required ? The declining water quality perhaps had more to do with decades of stagnation and lack of continuous aeration/oxygenation. Could sustained aeration have solved the issue at one-third the cost ? Sadly @mybmc often appears more focused on awarding big-ticket contracts than practical, sustainable solutions. Bigger question is after completion, who will maintain and operate this STP ?? Given @mybmc @mybmcInfra poor maintenance track record, will this become yet another expensive white elephant funded by taxpayers ?? Mumbaikars deserve answers. All these concerns were repeatedly raised... #Bandra #BandraTalao #Mumbai #BMC