82.31% of pre-monsoon silt removed in Mumbai’s rivers, drains

Pre-Monsoon Clean-Up Speeds Ahead

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made significant progress in its pre-monsoon desilting drive for the Mithi River, removing 796,765 metric tonnes of silt—an impressive 82.31% of its 9.68 lakh tonne target—following an urgent push amid early rainfall indianexpress.com+11hindustantimes.com+11ndtv.com+11.

 AI for Transparency & Accountability

This year, the BMC deployed an AI-based monitoring system to boost operational efficiency and curb malpractices. Contractors are required to upload photos, 30-second videos, and even CCTV footage for minor drains. AI tools then verify authenticity and detect foul play. So far, over ₹3 crore in fines have been levied on defaulters ndtv.com+3hindustantimes.com+3indianexpress.com+3.

Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar noted widespread misuse of old or doctored visuals—AI flagged discrepancies in over 17,000 out of 40,000 tracked silt transport trips, amounting to around 40% anomaly indianexpress.com+8ndtv.com+8timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8.

Operational Hurdles: Monsoon Rains & Scam Probes

Despite overall success, progress on the Mithi River chain remains slower at 61.85%–55%, due to an early onset of the monsoon and the ongoing Rs 65 crore desilting scam probe. Several contractors linked to the scam have absconded or had contracts frozen, delaying the river’s clean-up indianexpress.com+4ndtv.com+4timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4.

Additional manpower and equipment have now been mobilised to meet deadlines and safeguard flood resilience indianexpress.com+3ndtv.com+3freepressjournal.in+3.

 What Lies Ahead

• Ramp‑up efforts: BMC plans to continue desilting during the monsoon to compensate for early holdups mid-day.com+11hindustantimes.com+11indianexpress.com+11.

• Scam resolution: Investigations by the Economic Offences Wing and Enforcement Directorate are still in progress. ED has already conducted raids in the case affecting river desilting contracts—including at actor Dino Morea’s premises timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4m.economictimes.com+4indianexpress.com+4.

• Ongoing audits: The AI dashboard will increasingly serve as the BMC’s compliance tool, providing real-time visibility into progress.

 Final Thoughts

Mumbai’s proactive use of AI monitoring is proving effective in enhancing accountability and boosting overall drainage preparedness. However, progress on the Mithi River lags behind—hampered by early monsoon showers and legal lag surrounding the scam. Authorities must remain vigilant to ensure timely execution during this critical pre-monsoon window.