Majority of Ghatkopar, Vikhroli civic works have not started: BMC panel inspection | Mumbai News

Mumbai: A spot inspection by the BMC standing committee has raised questions over the status of civic works in Ghatkopar after committee members found that 24 of 28 works inspected in N Ward, which comprises localities such as Vikhroli and Ghatkopar, had not even started, while only one had been completed and three were in progress. The inspection, led by standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde on Aug 20, covered works valued between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 75 lakh under Section 69-C of the BMC Act. The findings are likely to come up for discussion at Thursday’s standing committee meeting, with members seeking clarity on how proposals relating to the works were processed.The committee had set out to inspect all 28 works after proposals were placed before it. During the inspection, members found a substantial gap between the status of the projects on paper and the situation at the sites.At the old fire brigade premises at Park Site, Vikhroli, the work was shown as completed. However, according to a committee member who was a part of the inspection, little work appeared to have been carried out apart from fresh painting, raising questions over the claim of completion.The committee also inspected the protective wall work at Sant Muktabai General Hospital in Ghatkopar (West), where work was found to be underway. Officials said it had started about a month ago.At the BMC employees’ colony in S G Barve Nagar, members inspected proposed footpath and drain improvement works and were informed that the work had not yet commenced.The inspection has also brought the role of the BMC’s vigilance department under scrutiny. Officials informed the committee that the department had inspected some of the works and its report had been received. The committee is expected to examine the report before deciding on further action.Shinde has directed civic officials to prepare a detailed report on all 28 works and place it before the standing committee.Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi alleged that civic works worth around Rs 4.5 crore had not been carried out despite proposals being moved. He questioned the BMC administration and the ruling party over the alleged irregularities and demanded accountability.