The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued tenders amounting to Rs 61 lakh for the cleaning of Versova and Juhu beaches, addressing an immediate need for beach maintenance in Mumbai’s western suburbs.
This interim measure follows the expiration of the previous cleaning contract in June, which had been in place for six years. The latest tenders are a stopgap solution while BMC continues the process of appointing a permanent agency for beach upkeep. The tender details reveal that Rs 25 lakh is allocated for cleaning Versova Beach over a 14-day period, while Rs 35 lakh is designated for Juhu Beach, covering a 60-day period. This temporary arrangement aims to ensure the beaches remain free of solid waste until a long-term contractor is finalised.
The need for these tenders emerged after the previous contract ended, leading to the use of BMC’s own labour for beach cleaning. According to BMC officials, this interim solution was necessary to maintain cleanliness during the transition period. The tender process had faced delays due to issues with the previous contractor and the high cost estimates of new bids. A new tender, with a significantly higher budget of Rs 130 crore, was subsequently floated to encourage competitive bidding. However, the initial bids exceeded the estimated cost, prompting the BMC to seek more viable offers.
The final selection of the new contractor is expected by the end of September, ensuring a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to beach maintenance. Local politicians and civic activists have expressed concern over the state of the beaches and the effectiveness of existing waste management contracts. They highlight that the waste accumulation often originates from stormwater drains, which are managed separately by contractors. The BMC is under pressure to address these systemic issues to prevent recurring problems. The Rs 61 lakh tenders represent a crucial step in maintaining Mumbai’s beach cleanliness until a more permanent solution is in place. The appointed contractors will be tasked with removing solid and floating waste to keep the beaches in optimal condition.
