The primary function of creeks is to drain water to the sea through its meandering course, its width determined by the volume of water traditionally flowing through it.
The St Inez creek has been abiding by its duty since inception, but the authorities have shrugged their responsibility to kick in when such creeks are overburdened. I would like to draw a parallel between Mithi river in Mumbai and St Inez creek.
Mithi river has been haphazardly encroached upon by builders that forced it to narrow its channel and has been polluted to dangerous levels. This has reduced the carrying capacity which is a primary reason for non-draining of water and floods that perennially affect the Mumbai city.
I fear St Inez creek might have the same fate with the similar after-effects. Authorities have made false promises on the cleaning of St Inez creek and the complaints like this one fall on deaf ears.
Bottles, trash, plastic, organic waste, garbage has been dumped choking the creek.
Stagnant and murky water proliferates vector borne diseases putting the people's life at risk. Many revival plans of this creek have failed. It is time the authorities re-look into this imbroglio and restore its pristine state.
