Contractor fined just ₹1L for poor-quality ₹24-cr nullah work

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a fine of just ₹1 lakh on a contractor who changed the direction of a Malvani nullah, leading to waterlogging in nearby municipal colonies during monsoon and high tides. This also makes it difficult for students from an adjoining school to access the road.

Interestingly, the work order involving widening of the nullah and constructing a wall at Malvani gate no. 6 is worth ₹24 crore.

A penalty notice of ₹50,000 was issued to Eric Infrastructure on November 4 and 17 for poor construction and inferior workmanship. “It was found during an inspection that the construction of the nullah wall between Abdul Hamid Road and National School is inclined inwards,” the notices, copies of which are in possession of HT, said. The first notice from the storm water drain department has instructed the contractor to redo the north side of the nullah while the second one talks about redoing the south side. Both have warned Eric Infrastructure of stern action if the work isn’t rectified.

Manoj S, a resident of Malvani municipal colony which has chawls housing 96 residents and Bharat Mata, a private school, said, “The contractor changed the direction of the nullah by 2.5 metres and increased the road level up to four inches. As a result, we face waterlogging not just when it rains but also during high tides. The flow of the drain is reversed.”

The matter came to light after RTI activist Santosh Daundkar had on September 28 complained to municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal about the poor-quality work. Soon after, civic officials visited the site for an inspection.

The manager with Eric Infrastructure said, “We were fined ₹1 lakh. The nullah level was not done as per specification and hence, it caused waterlogging in the area. We are rectifying it.”