MBMC begins work after month-long delay

Activist alleges ample scope for contractors to exploit loopholes

After a delay of around 25 days, the pre-monsoon desilting operations finally took off in Mira- Bhayandar on Sunday. While budgetary allocations of Rs 3.5 crore have been made, contracts of around Rs 3 crore have been awarded to private companies for manual and mechanical excavation with JCB, poclain and hydraulic earth moving machines across six zonal divisions.

Private agencies have also been roped in for arranging suction pumps to de-water flooding spots in the region. Instead of setting up accountability compulsions, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has awarded hourly and shift-based contracts.

“Ample scope is given to the contractors to exploit loopholes in the clock-based pricing structure to continue with their routine money minting exercise. Moreover, the workers are forced to desilt sans adequate safety gear posing a threat to their lives,” alleged social activist Pradeep Jangam.

Deputy civic chief Ravi Pawar said, “Measures have been taken to keep a check on the work to prevent manipulations in the hiring process. Apart from real-time video shooting of on-duty labour and in-action machines, photographs of before and after work completion are mandatory components to be submitted with the bills along with manual logbook records,” he said.

He said dedicated teams have been deputed for surprise visits at the ward level and despite being mandatory, a large section of the workforce prefers to work sans safety gear.

There are around 155 major and minor nullahs in the twin-city which measure up to over 240 km, and May 30 is the deadline for completion of works. However, people are apprehensive about whether the civic body would be able to complete the works well before the monsoon.