BMC rejects all allegations over newly built oxygen plants

Mumbai: BMC a BJP corporator from Malad Vinod Mishra has alleged that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is spending twice as much as the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) to set up oxygen plants in the city. BMC had recently tendered to set up 16 oxygen production plants in 12 hospitals to produce 45 tonnes of oxygen per day and significantly reduce its reliance on private oxygen suppliers.

Mishra alleged that the tender process was not transparent and that the civic body was spending twice as much as the neighboring municipal corporation for a similar project. BMC has issued a response denying the allegations, saying the required tender process has been conducted in a highly transparent and competitive manner and accordance with the rules.

However, some allegations in this regard have been made today through some media and social media. There are references to other municipal corporations setting up oxygen plants at a lower cost than BMC. However, these allegations are made regardless of the production capacity of the oxygen plant. The cost and overall cost of an oxygen plant or other mechanical system depend on its production capacity, type of construction, technical aspects, scope of work, quantity, terms, and conditions of submission, payment terms, delivery period, etc.

BMC officials said the civil body expects the installation process to be completed within a month. The shelf life of these plants is 15 to 30 years. This will reduce reliance on external supplies, officials said. Two years ago, BMC installed a 500 cubic meter plant at Kasturba Hospital. Last year, another plant was set up at Jogeshwari's Hinduhride Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Hospital.