BMC to file FIR against contractors, agencies over debris

Debris after road work is almost always left along the sides, which eventually flows into drains, choking them during the monsoon

On the first day of the administrator taking charge of the BMC, the civic body on Tuesday asked its officials to file police complaints against agencies and contractors if they fail to remove debris from the roadside. In many cases, rubble is dumped into drains which triggers flooding during the rains, said officials.

The decision was taken as part of the corporation's preparedness for the monsoon.

With the civic polls delayed, the BMC's deliberative wing, consisting of 227 corporators, ceased on Tuesday.

BMC officials said construction work go in the city around the year, while several roads and sidewalks are dug up by utility service providers. "The roadside debris washes into gutters, ultimately choking water flow and causing floods. Despite instructions to the agencies concerned, the issue arises every monsoon and the corporation faces the wrath of citizens. Now the administrator I S Chahal [BMC chief] instructed to lodge a police complaint against the agencies/organisations which do not remove the debris immediately after digging roads," said a civic official.

Chahal also asked officials to ensure protective nets on manholes to prevent accidents on flooded streets.

The Mumbai Metro Railway Corporation Limited and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) are carrying out several infrastructure projects across the city.

Officials have also been told to prevent waterlogging or potholes on Eastern and Western Express highways and ensure the cleaning of culverts along these two highways. While Chahal has asked that all ongoing road works be completed by May 15, instructions have been sent to the Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Team and the fire brigade to stay prepared to tackle disasters during the rains.