Strapped for cash, civic authorities say all project works related to storm water drainages will be delayed till state passes internal loan of Rs 3,000 crore; delay results in increase of costs of projects

All those hoping for the much-delayed storm water projects to be completed this year will have to wait some more as the BMC is starved for funds.

BMC officials have said that Brihanmumbai storm water drain (Brimstowad) projects along with six other projects will be affected a great deal because ofu00a0 paucity of finances.

BMC's standing committee chairperson Rahul Shewale told MiD DAY that no new project work will be carried out till the state passes the internal loan of Rs 3,000 crore.

According to figures received by the BMC, out of 51 BRIMSTOWAD project works at different locations in the city, only 11 have completed phase one whereas work order for 27 other projects have been issued and tenders for 11 other projects have been invited.

Shewale said, "The money to be spent on the BRIMSTOWAD project had been increased by Rs 1,800 crore and this year the BMC allotted Rs 1,000 crore which was spent in paying for the variation cost and we are yet to pay Rs 800 crore on the project work making it more difficult to carry out any new project work."

The four major pumping stations to be built by the BMC at Gazdharband at Khar (W), Mogra Nalla in Andheri (W), Mahul Outfall and Britannia outfall in Reay Road have not yet begun because the BMC has yet not acquired the land for the construction.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta said, "In order to curb the deficit, which has arisen because of the increment in the variation costs for all projects, we are halting all money being provided. The project works cannot be stopped but no extra money will be allotted as of now."

Shewale added that if the state passed the internal loan then the work could be resumed.

Rs 3,500 cr
The escalated cost of the project, almost three times its original cost of Rs 1,200 crore.

Projects Stuck
> The underground and over-ground parking lots
> Marol-Maroshi, Malabar Hill and Yari Road water tunnels
> Sewerage pipelines
> Water supply projects
> Dumping ground projects