Mumbai: BMC has sought approval to award a two-year contract for Rs 14.5-crore for operation and maintenance of trash boom systems installed across six rivers and nullahs near mangrove belts in the city’s western suburbs to prevent floating waste from entering Arabian Sea.The proposal, which will come up before the civic standing committee on Thursday.BMC installed the systems in July 2022 following directions from National Green Tribunal (NGT) to prevent plastic waste from flowing through rivers and drains into mangrove ecosystems and the sea. The trapped waste is removed and scientifically disposed of.The previous maintenance contract lapsed on Sept 30, 2025. BMC continued operations till Feb by utilising the 4% contingency provision under the contract.Following a tendering process, Virgo Specialties Pvt Ltd emerged as the lowest bidder after negotiations, quoting 1.3% below BMC’s estimate.Until the new contract receives approval, the civic administration has sought permission to continue the work under the BMC chief’s emergency powers.
