Nagpur: The row over abnormally low civic tenders intensified after Opposition leader Sanjay Mahakalkar demanded an immediate probe into works approved by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) standing committee.In a letter to the municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, Mahakalkar flagged two road projects cleared during the March 24 standing committee meeting where contractors quoted rates nearly 40% below the estimated cost. One proposal under Lakadganj zone was approved at 40.80% below the estimated cost, while another cement road work in Dharampeth zone was cleared at 39.75% lower than the base price.Calling the approvals “highly questionable”, Mahakalkar said such drastic reductions raise serious doubts about the quality and durability of the work. He demanded that the NMC immediately form a committee to scrutinise all tenders approved at more than 30% below the estimated cost across departments.Mahakalkar also warned that approving abnormally low bids without strict scrutiny could lead to substandard roads and financial losses to the civic body.The issue assumes significance as TOI has repeatedly highlighted how several recently built cement roads in the city have shown signs of deterioration within a short period, raising concerns about poor quality control and weak tender scrutiny within the civic administration.
