Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader and former corporator Yashwant Killedar on Saturday accused the ruling establishment and civic administration of misleading citizens about the progress of Mumbai’s pre-monsoon drain desilting works. He claimed that large quantities of silt remain uncleared in several suburban drains despite official assertions that the work is nearing completion.
As part of its annual monsoon preparedness measures, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertakes extensive drain-cleaning operations across the city. However, Killedar alleged that even with the monsoon approaching, many drains remain clogged with silt and garbage.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide had earlier directed officials to complete all desilting work by May 31. When the deadline was missed, civic officials reportedly sought an extension until June 15. According to MNS, even with the revised deadline nearing its end, the work remains incomplete at several locations.
To support his claims, Killedar displayed photographs of drains in areas including Wadala, Dharavi, Bharat Nagar, Nahur, Govandi, Kurla, Panchsheel Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Kranti Nagar, Vakola, Mankhurd, Chembur and Keshav Pada. He said the images contradicted the administration’s claims regarding the status of desilting operations.
Killedar stressed that effective drain cleaning is essential to prevent waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon. He also alleged that whenever elected representatives visit inspection sites, municipal officials and contractors are informed in advance, allowing them to create a temporary impression that desilting work is actively underway.
With the arrival of monsoon rains delayed, Killedar urged the administration to utilise the additional time to complete the pending drain-cleaning work. He also criticised the civic administration over other infrastructure issues, including road concretisation projects, pothole repairs and water shortages in parts of the city.
Also Read: Maharashtra cabinet approves 12 new departments; Restructuring aims for faster decision-making
Share
Tweet
