Miracle in Mahim?

Bureau Report - Times Now.tv - Mumbai,Maharashtra,India
Saturday, August 19, 2006

The Mahim Creek, known for the high levels of industrial waste that empty into the sea carried down by the Mithi river, is in the spotlight for a new reason now. Late on Friday, thousands of Mumbaikars descended on the area following rumours of the sea water turning sweet.

A BMC report has clarified that the phenomena can be attributed to heavy rains. The report says that this is not uncommon during the monsoon season as the rain water could have diluted the salt content in the sea water.

The occurrence has been termed a miracle and followers of all faiths made their way to the creek to get a taste of the water. According to popular opinion the 'miracle' has been attributed to Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, a secular Sufi saint whose shrine is in the vicinity.

As thousands of 'believers' converged on the shore, police tried to control the crowds, with the help of NGOs and volunteers from the shrine.

Toxicologists have attributed the 'sweetness' of the water to two possible reasons: rainwater carried by the Mithi river emptying into the creek may have diluted the saltiness if the water, or industrial effluents that are routinely discharged into the river, may have masked the salt content of the water. But neither explanation is finding any takers among the masses, as they ignored the authorities’ advice not to drink the water and even carried bottles of the water for their families at home.

Scientist with NIO, Mumbai, MD Zingade while speaking to TIMES NOW about the occurrence said that this was a common phenomenon during the monsoons, and could be due to excess ground water in the neighbouring areas flowing out to sea. He also pointed out that the water from the Mithi river had a lower density and did not mix with the sea water, which could be another reason for the ‘sweetness’.

The rumour is said to have begun late Friday evening when some members of the Muslims community, while returning from Maghreeb prayers at the shrine, went into the creek to wash. This happened at about 7.30 pm.

Police were quick to arrive at the scene and control the rapidly growing crowds. Says D Padtare, DCP of Mumbai Police, "The police were deployed as soon as we got word. It being high tide, people were advised to refrain from getting into the water. People are also advised not to drink the water until test results from the health department are in."

Although the crowds dispersed towards early morning, the police are expecting more people to visit the site. As such, PA systems have been installed, the fire department has been put on alert, and traffic arrangements have been made.

Latest reports say that the water of the creek is becoming salty once more.