Mumbai: BMC Removes Over 82% of Silt Ahead of Monsoon; AI-Driven Monitoring Enhances Transparency

Mumbai, 5th June 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Wednesday that over 82% of this year’s pre-monsoon desilting target has been achieved across Mumbai’s major and minor drains, including the Mithi River. Out of a total target of 9,68,008 metric tonnes, 7,96,765 metric tonnes have been cleared as of Wednesday morning, marking significant progress in monsoon preparedness.

Desilting operations, an annual pre-monsoon exercise carried out by BMC’s stormwater drainage department, are aimed at preventing waterlogging and enhancing the city’s drainage capacity. The civic body said AI-powered monitoring systems are being employed this year to supervise the operations more efficiently and transparently.

According to BMC officials, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has streamlined the supervision process and curbed contractor negligence. Over ₹3 crore in penalties have been imposed on defaulting contractors based on AI analysis of submitted evidence. The civic body requires contractors to submit photographs and 30-second video clips of ongoing work, while CCTV footage is mandated for smaller drains, showing before-and-after conditions. All data is processed through AI systems to verify the authenticity and effectiveness of the work.

This year’s desilting schedule faced minor disruptions due to the early arrival of the monsoon on May 26 and record rainfall in May. Nevertheless, BMC claims that desilting of all major drains was completed by the first week of June. Current efforts are focused on the Mithi River, where special teams and dedicated machinery have been deployed to clear silt and enhance the river’s flow capacity.

Officials added that desilting will not end with the monsoon’s arrival, 10% of the planned work is scheduled to continue during and after the season to address fresh silt accumulation and maintain drainage efficiency.

The civic body emphasized that annual desilting targets are based on detailed studies of local rainfall trends, and that this year’s efforts are on track to ensure minimal disruption during the monsoon.