The state government has asked the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Khadakwasla to submit a detailed report on diversion of the Ulwe river for the prosposed Navi Mumbai airport. The Central government agency has been asked to submit a detailed report,with mathematical precision,regarding the method and technique of diversion by the end of February. The CWPRS had earlier submitted reports regarding diversion of Gadhi river. After getting the Environment Ministrys approval last year,the state government expedited work on the greenfield airport to be built in Navi Mumbai. The Environment Ministry put 32 conditions while granting green clearance to the project. As per the agreement,Ulwe,flowing through the airport site,will be diverted to accommodate the airport runways while Gadhi will remain untouched though one of its channels will be filled up. The rivers diversion was a major issue with the environment ministry which cited the problems caused by Mithis diversion,for construction of the existing airport,to argue that the course of the two streams should not be touched. Earlier the proposal was to divert the Gadhi river for building the airport. However,the Environment Ministry objected to it and instead allowed us to divert part of the Ulwe river to build the runway. CWPRS will submit a detailed report regarding it as they are an expert agency, said a senior government official. Hydraulic studies regarding the diversion of the Ulwe river have to be freshly done with mathematical calculations among others. The CWPRS has been asked to submit the report by February end, the official added. The government hopes to start the replantation of mangroves over 200 hectares of land by June this year. As per the environment clearance,CIDCO has to ensure that 615 hectares of land is covered with mangroves and protected as a green zone,including the Waghvali village.
