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BMC rushing to finish pending infrastructure projects before monsoon kicks in


BMC rushing to finish pending infrastructure projects before monsoon kicks in
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Earlier this week, the BMC resumed works on the city’s bridges, roads, as well as rainwater drains, a report added. Around 2,500 labourers are said to be working on this project at the moment. However, civilians have complained that this is a violation of the lockdown rules and that it’s non-essential work. 

While work was ongoing when the pandemic began, everything came to a screeching halt when the Central Government announced a 21-day lockdown across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. The authorities have now clarified that some infrastructure work needs to be completed before the monsoons begin. They’re currently running on a deadline of mid to late-May. 

“Most of the roads were dug up, we have to complete the work before the monsoon to avoid accidents. Desilting is to prevent flooding and water-logging. We must complete it before the monsoon,” Additional Municipal Commissioner P Velrasu said.

“We have to ensure the work done is not washed out,” Deputy Municipal Commissioner Rajiv Kuknoor added.

Read - BMC Marks Out 381 Areas As Containment Zones

Talking about the safety precautions provided to the labourers, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Sanjay Darade said - “We have advised workers about safety precautions and have provided them masks for work.”

A citizen’s group called Save Our Coast has asked the police to take action against the BMC for violating lockdown norms. “They started reclamation work at Haji Ali bay, they are doing piling work opposite Worli Dairy, they have started work at the tunnel site. They are violating the lockdown,” said activist Debi Goenka.

This comes as a majority of Mumbai is currently sealed given the rise in COVID-19 positive cases. The BMC has announced a massive door-to-door COVID-19 testing program in Dharavi which will cover lakhs of residents. This comes as Dharavi reported two COVID-19 related deaths within a week. Dharavi currently has a total of 22 cases.  

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