India, March 19 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has again extended the deadline for tenders for desilting the Mithi river to March 24 after receiving no bids. The original deadline of March 11 was earlier revised to March 17, but failed to attract any response.

Newly elected corporators across party lines criticised civic officials and sought clarity on alternate back-up plans if contractors continue to not respond to the tenders. They also expressed concerns regarding potential risks to life and property if the 18-km river is not desilted before the monsoon.

Contractors have been reluctant to bid for Mithi river desilting work since last year, when the Mumbai police arrested several contractors and civic officials in co...