According to SGNP architect and former Congress corporator Sheetal Mhatre, SGNP is far away from the coastal area, and the construction of the compound walls can be done using normal-grade steel
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park has an approximate area of 103.84 sq km. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
While the Public Works Department (PWD) has invited tenders for constructing a boundary wall along the periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), architect and former Congress corporator Sheetal Mhatre alleged that technical manipulation has been done to favour a contractor. Mhatre pointed out that the tender mentions the use of High Corrosion Resistance Steel (HCRS)/Corrosion Resistance Steel (CRS) for construction, which is not needed for constructing a wall surrounding SGNP.
Mhatre also claimed that the steel used for the construction of the wall at Dahisar and Yeoor has a price difference despite the same quality or grade of steel being used. Mhatre has sent an email to PWD mentioning her objections. It may be noted that PWD has invited tenders for construction of a compound wall at Dahisar and Yeoor at an estimated cost of Rs 9.20 crore and Rs 6.90 crore, respectively. The intention behind the construction of the compound wall is to prevent trespassing and encroachments on SGNP land.
According to Mhatre, SGNP is far away from the coastal area, and the construction of the compound walls can be done using normal grade steel. One of the conditions in the tender mentions that the contractor should have executed HCRS/CRS works of at least 43 metric tonnes in the past five years.
Architect and Former Congress Corporator Sheetal Mhatre
“This raises multiple red flags, both technically and procedurally. This is a misuse of high-grade steel in non-critical work. CRS is primarily used in coastal or marine structures, chemical plants, and high-rise buildings in high-humidity or saline environments. HCRS finds usage in roughing stands of hot strip/plate rolling mills (R1 & R2), universal rolling mills, aerospace, and specialised industrial infrastructure. Why is such a high-grade material being mandated for a compound wall in a forest zone, where exposure to corrosion is minimal and environmental stressors are negligible?
Using either of these high-spec, cost-intensive materials for a simple compound wall in a forested, non-corrosive inland region is grossly unjustified, technically flawed, and financially imprudent. There is no logical reason or environmental condition in this area that would necessitate the use of such high-performance steel,” Mhatre said. She also alleged that this is nothing but the intentional narrowing of competition and questioned what justified the clause demanding past experience specifically in working with CRS/HCRS, as the execution method and structural detailing of these steels is similar to regular structural steel.
“The inclusion of such a condition serves no structural purpose in this context and appears to be a deliberate move to narrow the field and favour specific contractors with a track record in this niche material, thereby blocking fair competition. Had this restrictive clause not been inserted, the tender would have allowed wider participation, possibly bringing in more qualified and competitive bidders, ultimately saving public funds,” said Mhatre. In the email sent to the PWD authorities, Mhatre also alleged that there are discrepancies in rate for the same item in two similar tenders.
“Adding to the suspicion, there is a clear and unjustifiable rate variation for the exact same item across two tenders floated for different zones. A direct price variation of Rs 4753.86 for the same scope of work and material, across similar terrain and departments, is neither justified by market volatility nor logistics. It violates the principle of uniformity in government procurement and raises questions about the intent behind the cost structuring,” read the email sent to PWD authorities.
Scope of work
>> The PWD has invited tenders for the construction of a reinforced cement concrete compound wall at the boundary of Pachpakhadi (Survey No. 520), Majiwada (Survey No. 419), Owala (Survey No. 219), Mire (Survey No. 260), Susunavghar (Survey No. 385), and a protective fencing at Manpada (Survey No. 59), and Ghodbunder (Survey No. 217) of the Yeoor Range of SGNP.
Cost: Rs 69,022,520
>> Construction of a compound wall in Dahisar Niyatkshetra, from Ravalpada Chowky to Kashimira, Janupada to Patache Pani in
Mulund Niyatkshetra and from Amarnagar to Palaspada along the boundary of SGNP.
Cost: Rs*92,054,288
Demands by ex-corporator
>> Immediate recall of tender as technical requirements are unjustified and highly discriminatory
>> Removal of the specific material-based experience clause, especially when the construction method remains unchanged
>> A fresh, broad-based re-invitation of the tender to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and value for public money
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