The Maharashtra government has decided to take remedial measures to prevent obstructions to the flow of the Mithi river -- which flows through Mumbai, official sources said on Friday.

The Mithi river is one of the major channels for the flood water to drain out into the sea. Blockages in its flow had worsened the flood situation in the city during last week's downpour.

• Terrible Tuesday: Mumbai copes with a calamity

"We have taken serious note of the obstructions caused to the natural flow of the river in the suburbs in the recent spell of heavy rains and we have decided to take corrective measures," Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had told reporters
recently.

Asked if the encroachments along the banks had resulted in the blockage of flow, Deshmukh said, "We will study the issue and take appropriate measures."

Meanwhile, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority officials said that a Mithi River Development and Conservation Authority would be set up soon to decide upon issues like removal of encroachments along the river, prohibition of dumping of toxic chemicals and wastes into it and purification of its water.

Terrible Tuesday: Mumbai copes with a calamity
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