I can prove Rs 1,000 crore in Coastal Road project: BJP MLA Ashish Shelar

Workers seen at the under-construction site of the Mumbai Coastal Road project in Marine Lines in May this year. Pic/Satej Shinde

After BJP MLA Ashish Shelar alleged that there was a scam of over Rs 1,000 crore that occurred in the Coastal Road project, a claim that the civic body had rubbished, he has now said that he has proof to expose the said corruption. He has also asked for Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's intervention and said that he must not just blacklist the errant consultants, but also initiate a probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the wrongdoings and embezzlement in the project. Shelar also wrote a letter to the Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav requesting to seek an explanation from the BMC, about their compliance with the environment norms.

The wrongdoings in the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road project is almost to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore and is now clearly visible, said Shelar. Presenting evidences of corruption and malpractices in front of the media in a press conference on Saturday from December 2019 to 2020, the MLA said that two consultants were appointed for about Rs 600 crore to ensure that the work is done in the right way.

The letter to the union minister mentions that the ministry should ask for clarification if the said terms and conditions agreed upon by the BMC while seeking an approval for the project from the union ministry have been adhered to. If the environmental norms have not been fulfilled, the union environment ministry must immediately seek clarification from the BMC in this regard.

BJP MLA Ashish Shelar

"The BMC must not shield the errant contractors. We are willing to discuss the project in the interest of Mumbaikars. The ruling Shiv Sena must understand the flaws and work towards its rectification and or else we will further expose the malpractices before Diwali," said Shelar.

However, the BMC has rubbished all the allegations. A press statement issued by the BMC stated, "The civic body has mentioned that the materials used for filling are sourced from certified mines. Also, this material is tested for quality from time to time. So, the allegation that this material is uncertified is false. Also, the fee charged by the corporation for awarding contracts to three project management consultants and one general consultant overseeing the entire project is not Rs 600 crore but about Rs 229 crore. It is also alleged that a scam of Rs 1,600 crore was committed, but the total work done is worth Rs 683.82 crore and the same amount has been paid. Therefore, it is not correct to say that a scam of Rs 1,600 crore has taken place."

Taken a selfie with a pothole?

BJP's ‘Selfie with Potholes' competition was held in front of BMC headquarters, and similar ones will be held outside all the ward offices in the near future. On Saturday, the police lathicharged the agitation organised by BJP Yuva Morcha on the issue of pits in Andheri MIDC. Mayor Kishori Pednekar said the BMC will take this as a positive appeal, and fill the potholes.