The Hindu Business Line : Kalam calls for long-term drainage plan for Mumbai

The President, Mr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, and the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Vilashrao Deshmukh, at a review meeting on the flood situation in Mumbai. - Shashi Ashiwal

Mumbai , Sept. 12

THE President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has asked the Maharashtra Government to create a master plan for drainage keeping in minds Mumbai city's needs for the next 25 years.

He told the authorities to adopt an integrated approach while developing the storm water drainage system and the Mithi river system.

Briefing mediapersons on the President's visit, Mr K.S. Vatsa, Secretary Relief and Rehabilitation, Maharashtra, said Mr Kalam had urged the State Government to learn lessons from the water silos system that has been set up in Chicago for handling large volumes of water.

In its presentation to the President, the State sought Rs 1,200 crore as Central assistance for cleaning up Mithi river and Rs 1,500 crore for the drainage master plan for the city.

"Mr Kalam said he will pursue the issues with the Centre," Mr Vatsa said.

Mr Vatsa said the President had praise for the way the Maharashtra Government tackled the post-July 26-flood situation, particularly in controlling water-borne diseases.

Mr Kalam, like a scientist, sought even minute details about the gradient, carrying capacity and hydrological capacity of the Mithi river, he said.

In his interaction with the officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mr Kalam explored the viability of having Doppler radar as early warning system for the IMD, Mr Vatsa said.

Mr Kalam was also very keen on knowing the Maharashtra's position vis-à-vis Karnataka over the Almatti dam, Mr Vatsa said.

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