The MLA said that it was shameful that tax-paying citizens of Mumbai were so disappointed by the civic bodies that they took it on themselves to clean the beach.
Citizens who have been cleaning the Versova beach for 38 weeks now received a shot in the arm on Sunday, when Andheri MLA Ameet Satam not only held a meeting with the Versova Residents Volunteer (VRV) members but also raised the issue of "contractor-friendly" tenders with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
On June 27, dna had reported about the VRV writing to the civic body, seeking either termination of the existing cleaning contract or issuing of a new tender with additional stringent clauses, after terming the tender requirements "woefully inadequate".
"I got to know that these citizens were cleaning the Versova beach, including the part that is in my constituency. They were facing issues regarding the contractor appointed to clean the beach. So I called them for a meeting to try and understand their grievances," said Satam, adding that it was a matter of shame for the BMC that the tax-paying citizens of Mumbai were so disappointed by the civic machinery that they themselves were cleaning the beach.
Satam said after a detailed discussion with the VRV members, he was convinced that while framing the tender requirements, the ground situation at one of the dirtiest beaches was not taken into consideration.
"I have spoken to the deputy municipal commissioner (DMC) for Solid Waste Management, Vijay Balamwar, and discussed the fact that the tender needed to be re-structured. The citizens have given some important suggestions, which need to be incorporated," he said.
Meanwhile, Versova resident and Bombay High Court lawyer Afroz Shah said the meeting with Satam was very reassuring. "Satam himself called us and heard our issues and future plans. He assured us that he will take up the issue up with BMC," said Shah.
Filmmaker Neerav Ghosh, an active VRV member who attended the meeting, said, "We will seek help of everyone and approach all those who believe in this movement and are concerned about improving the situation of city's beaches."
Actor Naresh Suri, also a part of VRV, said Satam agreed that there were flaws in the tender. "He also agreed to the suggestion of increasing the strength of staff and machinery. We will soon meet the top BMC officials, along with Satam, to take the matter ahead," he added.
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