iThane: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project (MAHSRP) has come under fire from Shiv Sena corporators in Thane, who have alleged that constructions at a few spots between Mhatardi and Betawade villages have obstructed natural drainage channels, worsening flooding in the flood-prone belt and affecting farmers’ livelihoods.The issue was raised during the Thane municipal corporation’s general body meeting, where Sena corporator and former deputy mayor Ramakant Madhvi claimed embankments and related infrastructure for the bullet train corridor had blocked natural stormwater routes, leading to unusually widespread waterlogging this year.“Earlier, rainwater drained naturally into the adjoining creek through existing natural channels. This year, several fields and nearby areas remained waterlogged, causing losses to farmers. In residential pockets too, land-filling for the project is higher than in the surrounding settlements, making them vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain,” Madhvi alleged.He was supported by other Sena corporators, who urged the civic administration to coordinate with the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), which is executing the project, to protect natural waterways, culverts and drainage channels. Sena corporator Adesh Bhagat demanded technical assessment of the project’s impact on the city’s drainage network and mitigation measures “before a disaster occurs.”The general body accordingly passed a resolution seeking intervention, following which TMC officials and local representatives conducted a site inspection on Wednesday.The NHSRCL said a joint inspection with TMC was carried out before the rains and corrective measures had already been implemented. “Temporary waterlogging occurs during heavy rainfall. Once the rain subsides, accumulated water is designed to drain through a network of pipes and culverts at various locations in the region,” a spokesperson said.The TMC said it has undertaken a fresh survey to verify existence of natural drains in the stretch. “If required, corrective measures will be recommended. Though it is a Central govt project, we will ensure residents do not suffer and steps are taken to minimise flooding risk,” a civic official said.
