MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed penalties amounting to ₹54.68 lakh on contractors responsible for cleaning the city’s drains in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.
This stringent action follows inspections conducted by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over the weekend, which highlighted deficiencies in the drain cleaning efforts across Mumbai. The most substantial penalty, ₹31.65 lakh, was levied on the contractor responsible for the Mumbai city area. The eastern suburb contractor faced a penalty of ₹12.55 lakh, while the contractor for the western suburbs was fined ₹10.48 lakh. Additionally, a contractor involved in cleaning the Irla and Chamdawadi nullahs in Bandra was fined ₹2.5 lakh.
BMC official said, we emphasised the necessity of repeated desilting in certain stretches to ensure thorough cleaning. “Machinery needs to be operational on the ground. If any area’s work is found to be lagging, we initiate action,” The BMC has appealed to citizens to avoid littering in nullahs, particularly those where pre-monsoon cleaning efforts have already been completed. The administration underscores the importance of maintaining these areas to prevent flooding and other monsoon-related issues.
As part of the ongoing pre-monsoon preparations, BMC officials inspected various sites, including dilapidated buildings and landslide-prone areas in Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, and Mulund. The Additional Municipal Commissioner urged the administration to expedite these works to ensure completion before the monsoon’s onset. During the inspection, officials also assessed the installation of protective nets and covers on manholes within the N ward, ensuring they are securely in place. Bangar personally inspected some of the manhole covers and instructed that the installation of nets and covers on all manholes be accelerated to mitigate any risks.
In a related effort, officials conducted awareness campaigns about the dangers posed by dilapidated buildings and landslide-prone areas, particularly in Ram Nagar, Vikhroli. This proactive measure aims to educate residents and encourage preventive actions to avert potential disasters during the monsoon season. The BMC’s comprehensive approach to pre-monsoon preparations underscores its commitment to safeguarding the city against flooding and other monsoon-related hazards. By penalising negligent contractors and pushing for timely completion of critical infrastructure works, the administration aims to mitigate risks and ensure a safer monsoon period for Mumbai’s residents.
