After receiving criticism in 2022, BMC launches desilting tenders early with a contract for 125 crores

Desilting has already begun this year, despite the BMC receiving criticism last year for delaying the process. The goal is to clear rivers and nullahs before the monsoon season. Six tenders totalling over 125 crores have been issued by the Storm Water Department (SWD), including one for a city nullah, two for eastern suburbs, and three for western suburbs. The Mithi, Poisar, and Dahisar rivers will also have their silt removed by the BMC. For Mithi, three bids have already been submitted. Tenders will be opened at the end of the month after the bid process, and work will begin in the first week of March.

 

"We've already issued a call for bids for tiny nullahs. We have now requested bids for the major ones. Vibhas Achrekar, the chief engineer for SWD, stated, "Last year, we started the job late and had to deal with criticism. The BMC got bids for the tiny nullahs that were 20–30% less than the anticipated price. The output will be subpar at such low rates, the BJP stressed. We don't care whether the contractor makes a profit or not, a civic official declared. We'll make sure that the work is finished on schedule and at a high standard. We aim to attract even the highest offers.

 

The BMC allegedly performed subpar desilting, according to BJP MLA Ashish Shelar and former party corporators who visited numerous nullahs last year. But there weren't many cases of waterlogging recorded by the city. The winning bidder must abide by the guidelines established last year, according to civic  officials. Senior personnel will be able to oversee the operation from their office's thanks to the installation of CCTVs at the desilting sites and disposal areas. Additionally, contractors are required to post images of the completed work on the BMC website. Additionally, the residents will be able to stay informed.

"Uploading status reports to the website went well for us. According to Mr. Achrekar, fewer complaints were filed last year.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter@m_kalpesh