The agency staff will look out for broken manhole covers and damaged chambers of utilities, among other things (File Photo)
BMC officials claim that appointing the agencies is in line with a court order. An official said, “We are appointing an agency for each ward. The agency will identify hazards on the road such as broken manhole covers, damaged chambers of utilities or drains and footpaths. Agency staff will survey roads daily and submit reports to the ward office. After this, we will fix the issues immediately. The BMC will spend around Rs 120 crore on this”
Ulhas Mahale, deputy municipal commissioner, said, “We have decided to appoint agencies as per the court order. This year for the first time we are doing this”
Also Read: Mumbai: Private agencies to monitor roads for hazards this monsoon
According to BMC, every year before the monsoon the civic staff change damaged manhole covers. “We have been receiving complaints continuously, especially on our social media pages. There is the possibility of fatal accidents occurring due to broken manhole or chamber covers,” the official stated
While appreciating the BMC authority’s attempt to address the problem of citizens, activist Anil Galgali said, “This is the BMC’s staff’s regular work. Although it’s really needed, why are they spending money on private agencies? It’s the civic staff’s duty to be vigilant and identify hazards”
Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, a social activist raised similar questions. He said, "This is routine work for the BMC. The civic body’s staff is not making rounds at wards regularly but now, it is spending money on private contractors”
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