Minor steers heavy duty JCB for MBMC contractor

Already under the scanner for massive corruption, the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) is also overlooking prescribed security measures to be at construction sites, especially during pavement and road works, consequently putting the life and limb of pedestrians and motorists at risk.

One such incident of brazen negligence came to light when, social activist Vasant Mane and his colleague were saved by a whisker after the bucket of a JCB excavator almost hit them while they were walking past the Congress Bhawan in Bhayandar (west).

It emerged that a JCB-operator deputed by the MBMC contractor was excavating the road to refurbish a pavement. However, to the shock and surprise of the social activist, out stepped a 15-yearold boy from the cabin of the JCB- a multi-tonne construction equipment.

“The contractor is apparently carrying out the works throwing all the rules to the wind. Unqualified and unmonitored drivers at the wheels and levers of such heavy duty machines is worrisome. Neither the traffic nor the civic officials seems to be bothered,” said Mane who had immediately alerted local traffic and civic personnel about the incident.

MBMC chief Balaji Khatgaonkar assured to probe the incident and take necessary action.

“We have noted down the time and details of the incident. The concerned contractor who has been assigned the work will be taken to task,” said a PWD officer.

From tardy implementation of safety procedures to violation of labour laws, every aspect of construction is often thrown to the wind by municipal contractors.