Mithi River
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
River Mithi (also Mahim River) is a river in Salsette Island, on which the city of Mumbai is located. It is a confluence of tail water discharges of Powai and Vihar lakes. The river is seasonal and swells during the monsoons. The overflowing lakes also contribute to the river flow which is stopped by a dam in other times. During this season the river is a favourite with the anglers who catch large fish that have escaped from the lakes. Fishing is barred there.
The river is also a natural drainage channel which carries the excess waters during the monsoons. However it is filthy mainly due to the presence of slums and the discharge of industrial effluents.
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[edit] Topography
The river originates at Powai and meets the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek flowing through residential and industrial complexes of Powai, Saki Naka, Kurla, Kalina, Vakola, Bandra-Kurla complex, Dharavi and Mahim over a distance of about 15 km.
The river bed is narrow in the initial stretch and is about 10 meters wide but at Bandra-Kurla complex, it is much wider.
[edit] Ecological importance of the river
Mahim bay area, where Mithi River meets Arabian Sea is a nominated bird sanctuary where migratory birds come for nesting. This part is full of mangroves. When the river was not as polluted as it is today, it used to serve as an important storm water drain for Mumbai but as it has been used as a sewer over the years, its importance as a storm water drain has reduced and on the contrary, it poses as a hazard during high tide bringing polluted water into the city.
[edit] Pollution of the Mithi River
The river is treated as an open drain by citizens who discharge raw sewage, industrial waste and municipal waste unchecked. Besides this, illegal activities of washing of oily drums, discharge of unauthorised hazardous waste are also carried out along the course of this river. Cattle sheds in some areas contribute animal waste. Barrel cleaners, scrap dealers and others dump sludge oil, effluent and garbage in the river. The organic waste, sludge and garbage dumping has reduced the carrying capacity of the river. The water with mixture of sewage and industrial waste is a threat to marine life. The river bed is full of sludge, garbage and vegetation growth like hyacinth in many parts.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has undertaken a cleanliness drive lately so that the floods of July 26, 2005 are not repeated.
[edit] External links
http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500203164 The film "Five Disasters Waiting to Happen" chronicles the Mithi river's ecological issues.
- 50-page report in PDF format by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board on pollution of Mithi river and measures for its control.
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