After facing flak from Shivaji Park residents for using boulders under the beach nourishment plan, the municipal corporation will now use the geo-tube technology.
This technology, which was implemented at INS Hamla in Malad, uses thick synthetic permeable geotex tiles with uniquely
designed retention properties to reduce soil erosion. The 500-metre Dadar beach, from Chaityabhoomi to the Mayor’s Bungalow, is being beautified and maintained by the corporation and the Public Works Department (PWD).
Last May, the civic body and PWD decided to merge the latter’s anti-erosion bund scheme with the corporation’s beach nourishment plan.
The PWD’s scheme of placing boulders aimed at reducing the impact of waves that lash the compound wall of buildings along Dadar beach. The project involves dredging silt sand from the Mithi river, washing it and then laying it on the beach with sand imported from other parts of the state.
“We want to use this technique because it has given positive results across the world,” said civic Standing Committee Chairman Rahul Shewale, who had arranged the presentation along with PWD officials. The total cost of the geo-tube project is Rs 5 crore, but the municipal corporation will first conduct soil testing to see whether it is compatible to the new technique. The cost of conducting these tests is Rs 25 lakh.