MUMBAI, June 5 -- Desilting work in the Mithi River, along with various large and small drains across Mumbai, are progressing rapidly, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday. This year, the target for pre-monsoon desilting is 968,008 metric tonnes. As of Wednesday morning, the BMC removed 796,765 metric tonne of silt, i.e. 82.31% of the target. The work is executed with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, which the civic officials say has improved efficiency and transparency in the desilting process. According to the BMC administration, through AI monitoring, fines exceeding Rs.3 crore have been levied on negligent contractors. Each year before monsoon, the BMC's stormwater drainage department undertakes the desilting of major drains in the city, including the Mithi River. Smaller drains are desilted at the ward level. Annual desilting targets are determined based on studies on rainfall patterns and intensity. Before monsoon, 80% of the desilting is planned. The remaining 10% is planned during monsoon and 10% post-monsoon. Due to the early onset of monsoon this year on May 26, the desilting schedule was partially affected. However, by the first week of June, all major drains in the city were desilted. Work on the Mithi River is currently underway. Special focus is given to improving cleanliness and the river's carrying capacity, said officials. To ensure proper execution and supervision, the BMC has mandated the submission of photographs and 30-second video recordings of the desilting work. For smaller drains, CCTV footage depicting before and after conditions must be submitted to the civic body. All submitted media are analyzed using AI systems to ensure proper monitoring and complete transparency in the desilting process....