After assuring that closed-circuit television (CCTV) sets would be installed to keep a check on desilting works, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now done a U-turn. Citing high cost and security concerns for CCTVs, it has now decided to use video shooting for desilting works in the city.
On the backdrop of reports of a desilting scam, it was decided in the civic standing committee that CCTVs would be used for these works so that contractors do not indulge in manipulation.
However, the civic administration has now said that the CCTV condition has not been included in the desilting tenders and, hence, it would not be proper to insist on the CCTV system. The civic officials have also cited high cost of installation and security concern for their inability to use CCTVs.
“The cost of installing CCTV system will be around Rs 86 crore. After the works are over, these CCTVs will have to be removed from the spots. It is not right to spend a high amount on such types of temporary works. As CCTVs are installed at open spaces, there are also question marks about their security. Instead, the video shooting will also ensure transparency in the works,” said a senior civic official.
The BMC had given desilting contractors for the period of two years – 2015-16 and 2016-17. However, due to corruption exposed in the probe, the BMC revoked the contracts and invited tenders again.
The BMC’s report into the desilting scam has said that contractors have duped the civic body to the tune of Rs 38.13 crore in these works. Taking serious note of lapses and manipulation in this matter, civic chief Ajoy Mehta had directed civic administration to blacklist all the contractors.
The civic body inquiry report had also said that about 70 per cent entries made by contractors while transporting silt to the dumpsites outside the city have been bogus.
