Mumbai: Over 200 citizens marched three kilometres along the Dahisar river on Saturday morning as part of a worldwide campaign to draw attention to the condition of rivers.
The walk was organised by MumbaiMarch, earlier called RiverMarch, a grassroots movement dedicated to restoring Mumbai's rivers, mangroves, and beaches. The walk drew students, senior citizens, and others who hoped that ongoing rejuvenation projects would restore the city's rivers, mangrove forests, and coastal waters.
The event was part of the global 'Walking Rivers' campaign that has covered nearly 100 rivers in five continents. Mumbai has atleast four rivers within its boundaries - Mithi, Poisar, Dahisar, and Oshiwara. The once-clean streams have now become channels that carry the city's sewage into the sea.
Citizens walk along Dahisar River to raise awareness under global ‘Walking Rivers’ campaign | File Photo
MumbaiMarch said that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has initiated Phase 3 of the Mithi River Rejuvenation Project, allocating ₹2,394 crore towards widening and deepening the river, constructing protective walls, and implementing flood control measures.
Additionally, the Poisar River rejuvenation project, estimated at ₹1,192 crore, has received environmental clearance, paving the way for the construction of sewage treatment plants and the development of service roads and boundary walls.
Since its inception on May 1, 2011, MumbaiMarch has been involved of environmental advocacy in Mumbai, initiating activities aimed at creating a plastic-free and pollution free Sanjay Gandhi National Park and involving communities in the work.
