India, May 28 -- This year, a little over half the desilting work on the Mithi River will be complete, leaving areas along its banks vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon. Desilting the highly polluted river ground to a near-halt after two of the three contractors involved were recently charged in an alleged Rs.65.5-crore scam, and the third was blacklisted for mixing debris in the silt to manipulate its weight.

The river, which arises in Vihar and Powai lakes in Mumbai, passes through several eastern suburbs including Dharavi and BKC, before emptying into the Arabian Sea at Mahim. Desilting the Mithi is an annual exercise. Starting on April 5 this year, work is only 53% complete - the deadline is May 31.

Three contractors - JRS Inf...