Mumbai: Amid ongoing pre-monsoon drain desilting across the city, Borivli MLA Sanjay Upadhyay has alleged irregularities in the cleaning of a major nullah near P L Deshpande Garden on Link Road in New MHB Colony.Upadhyay said that under the guise of desilting, stones, soil and debris from broken roads are being dumped into the nullah at night and later shown as silt removal to inflate quantities and siphon off funds. Following a site inspection with civic officials, he said while routine garbage such as plastic waste was found, certain stretches showed construction debris including cement slabs and pillars—raising suspicion of malpractice. The issue has been reported to the R-Central ward office, with instructions to register a case against the contractor and initiate strict action. Upadhyay also warned that officials could face action if lapses are found, asserting that corruption in civic works should not be tolerated.When asked Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner, said the matter has been brought to his attention.“We have asked the local deputy municipal commissioner to inquire into it and appropriate action will be taken in case it is found that someone has purposefully indulged in such kind of practices. In the past, we have always blacklisted any such contractors and not just penalised them, as such acts can’t be taken lightly by the administration,” said Bangar.
