Locals in Sion and Matunga where the BMC is ‘repairing’ footpaths under its beautification drive, are fed up of the civic body’s action; civic official defends it saying the repairs were recommended by experts
Work on the footpath along Jain society in Sion
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Rs 1,700 crore beautification drive continues to be embroiled in controversy. Locals have alleged that under it, the BMC has started repairing footpaths in Sion and Matunga, that are in good condition.
Nimish Malde, a resident of Sion said, “The BMC has started repairing the footpath along Swami Vallabhdas Road which is in a good condition. We don’t understand
why the BMC is wasting taxpayers’ money. It should plan properly for this beautification programme. No one listens to the local people. This beautification is a big scam.”
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Local residents say the work near Don Bosco school at Matunga is unnecessary. Pics/Pradeep Dhivar
Vinay Gatani, another resident of Sion said, “The footpath around Jain society was in a good condition. Even its paver blocks were in good condition. Suddenly the BMC started ‘repairing’ it.”
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The BMC has also started repairing Matunga’s Nathalal Parekh Road footpath. Malde said, “I am a regular visitor to that area. That footpath was also in a good condition.”
Activist and a resident of Matunga, Gauran Damani said, “The footpath was in good shape. Civic Chief I S Chahal must look into this issue. Repairing footpaths that don’t need repairs is a waste of public money.”
On February 7, mid-day had reported a similar case in Bandra west. The BMC removed the old divider on K C Road, which was in a good condition. According to former corporator Mumtaz Rahebar Khan, the divider had been repaired in 2021.
When asked why ‘repairs’ were being done on footpaths that didn’t need them, a BMC official said they were told to do so by experts. “Our technical experts visited the sites. These experts decide whether there is a need for repairs. The footpaths are being repaired as per their recommendations. Also, we had demands from local residents. The footpaths that had paver blocks will be repaired with stenciled concrete,” said a BMC official.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramakant Biradar did not respond to calls and messages.
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