Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM reviews Mumbai projects, Centre to fully fund stormwater drainage project

At a review of the major projects for Mumbai taken by the Prime Minister today, it was decided that the entire amount required for Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drainage Project (BRIMSTOWAD) would be provided by Government of India. This project, expected to cost Rs 1200 crore, is vital to ensure that the problem of flooding in the city is ameliorated, and was a promise by the Prime Minister to the residents of the financial capital of the country. With this decision, the last hurdle for the taking up of this project has been cleared.

Sh Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State, PMO and Sh T.K.A.Nair, Principal Secretary to PM were present in the meeting, apart from Member-Secretary, Planning Commission, Secretaries from Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Urban Development, Department of IPP and other officials, where the following projects were taken up for review.

1. Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drainage Project

2. Mumbai Sewerage Disposal Project- Phase II

3. Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)

4. Mumbai Metro Projects. Versova-Andheri- Ghatkopar Corridor. Coloba- Bandra-Charkop Corridor .Mahim -Mankhurd Corridor

5. Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Projects (MUIP)

6. Transfer of Salt Pan land to Govt. of Maharashtra

7. Middle Vaitarna Water Supply Project for Mumbai IV

8. Development and Protection of Mithi River & Its Surroundings

9. Worli Bandra Sea Link Project

10. Mumbai Trans-harbour Link

11. Thane Metro

The Prime Minister directed that Mumbai's development needs should receive a very high priority, and its problems redressed without any delay. He directed that expeditious approval be given to the Middle Vaitarna Water Supply Project for Mumbai IV,and Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Projects under JNNURM by October/November 2006. Negotiations for the Phase-II of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project would be completed in a month.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the status of 5378 acres of salt pan lands in the suburbs of Mumbai. It was decided that efforts of various Central and State agencies be coordinated and urgent measures evolved for using these lands for rehabilitation of slum dwellers, and facilitating the vacation of land of public projects presently under occupation by slum dwellers. This would be a major step for the welfare of slum dwellers.