Archive · 5 Jun 2025
City Undertakes Riverbank and Drainage Work Amidst Monsoon Concerns
In Vadodara, the city is working to strengthen the Vishwamitri River banks with a special method to stop them from washing away.
However, the work is taking longer than expected, and experts worry the upcoming monsoon rains could cause problems.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the city is cleaning drains before the monsoon, and they've fined some contractors for not doing their job correctly.
The authorities are using videos and pictures to keep track of the cleaning process, to ensure the drains are properly cleaned.
Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is using bioengineering to stabilize Vishwamitri River banks, but work is delayed.
Experts warn of potential soil erosion and sediment returning to the river due to the delayed stabilization.
As of Monday, only 2.3 km of the 24.7 km Vishwamitri River stretch within Vadodara city limits has been stabilized.
Mumbai's BMC fined desilting contractors over Rs 3 crore for irregularities during pre-monsoon drain cleaning.
BMC uses AI-analyzed video evidence to ensure transparency in desilting work.
- Who
- Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and Mumbai's BMC.
- What
- Stabilization of river banks and drain cleaning to prepare for monsoon.
- When
- Work began in April on an experimental basis, with the first phase starting last month. Desilting work began in March.
- Where
- Vadodara, India (Vishwamitri River) and Mumbai, India
- Why
- To stabilize riverbanks and to ensure faster drainage of rainwater
Expert Concerns
VMC Response
Riverbank Stability
Expert Concerns
Experts warn of soil erosion due to delayed riverbank stabilization, potentially washing sediment back into the river.
VMC Response
VMC believes erosion will be minimal.
Project Implementation
Expert Concerns
Experts suggest work should have been done in tandem with dredging for better results.
VMC Response
VMC cites limited agency and material availability as reasons for delays.
- City (Vadodara)
- Vishwamitri River
- Technique
- Bioengineering
- First Phase Area
- 1.34 lakh square meters
- First Phase Cost
- Rs 4.9 crore
- Mumbai Fines
- Over Rs 3 crore
- Mumbai Drainage Focus
- Major and Minor Nullahs
