A case of alleged civic corruption has surfaced in Malwani’s New Collector Compound. An RTI probe reveals that BMC paperwork states Malwani’s pathways and gutters were ‘fixed’; furious residents insist no work done in years.
A filthy open drain in the area—residents say this is the BMC’s idea of “completed work” (far left) local activist Asif N Shaikh shows the RTI reply. Pics/Nimesh Dave
A case of alleged civic corruption has surfaced in Malwani’s New Collector Compound, Plot No. 14, where the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) claims to have completed drainage and pathway upgrades worth nearly Rs 22 lakh.
However, residents say no such work has been carried out on the ground. The discrepancy came to light after a local social activist filed a Right to Information (RTI) application seeking details of the work reportedly done in 2024.
Drains lie half open and stink rats run rampant as residents question where the money went
The RTI reply revealed that the BMC’s P North Ward sanctioned and claimed to have spent Rs 22,19,590 on drainage and pathway improvement in Plot No. 14. But residents say the area remains neglected, with broken footpaths, clogged drains, and no sign of recent development.
Activist sounds alarm
Asif Shaikh, national president of the ‘Help for People Foundation’ and a resident of Plot No. 14, told mid-day, “This is the largest plot in the area. Being involved in social work, I receive regular complaints about drainage, cleanliness, and damaged pathways. I’ve raised these with BMC and elected representatives.”
Shaikh recalled that the last proper civic work was done in 2021, funded by the then corporator. “Since then, the condition has worsened. Due to elevated surrounding roads, the plot lies lower. So rainwater flows into the lanes, flooding them. The broken pathways and waterlogging make the area dangerous, especially during the monsoon.”
Cracked tiles, uneven flooring — residents say this shoddy repair work was done just to save face. Pics/Nimesh Dave
He added, “After I submitted a complaint, BMC did minimal repair in two or three places — just 15-20 feet of Shahabadi tiles were laid. No new drains, no proper gutters. I was curious where Rs 22 lakh was spent, so I filed an RTI in June 2024. After months of delay, I finally received a reply in November — and I was stunned.” According to the RTI, BMC listed 22 different tasks, including tile removal, new flooring, drainage chambers, sewerage lines, and concrete works. “But barely 2 per cent of the listed work was done. Even the materials mentioned were never seen on site,” Shaikh said.
Shaikh points to the barely visible patchwork that BMC calls a Rs 22-lakh upgrade
The RTI documents also included inspection signatures from four officials: Junior Engineer Deepak Bankar, Sub-Engineer Pratik Salvi, Assistant Engineer Mandar Chaudhary, and Ward Executive Engineer Harishchandra Jadhav. “I’ve filed a formal complaint demanding an inquiry. After this, some engineers visited the plot and promised repairs. But even after a second complaint in February 2025, no further work has been done,” Shaikh alleged.
BMC’s response
Kundan Valvi, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, P North ward
‘I am not aware of this at the moment. I will be able to comment only after checking official records’
Deepak Bankar, Junior engineer
Deepak Bankar confirmed that work was done in 2024 but added, “Some damage may have occurred over time.” When informed that residents unanimously denied seeing any such work in 4-5 years, Bankar said he has all documents and is ready to present them if needed
Mandar Chaudhary, Assistant engineer
Responded to a call saying he was in a meeting and would reply after checking — no update received till press time
Harishchandra Jadhav, Ward executive engineer
Did not respond to mid-day’s text messages or phone calls
Rs 22,19,590
Amount spent by BMC in ghost repairs
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