Tukaram Mundhe scrapped 3 projects worth crores in 5 months

Within just five months, NMMC chief Tukaram Mundhe scrapped a number of projects that were either not feasible or were money-guzzling. He also took action against civic officials for their lackadaisical attitude towards work, said sources.

In such a short period, Mundhe scrapped three projects worth Rs190 crore, offending the local politicians. These projects were passed by the NCP-ruled general body. Mundhe termed them unnecessary and not feasible. The first project, worth Rs20 crore, involved placing white marble stone cladding upon the dome of the Dr Babsaheb Ambedkar Bhawan in Airoli.

The proposed 'Hospital on Wheel' at Palm Beach Road, former mayor Sagar Naik's dream project, was also scrapped. The project was worth Rs3.5 crore. Even after buying the high-end ambulance, the civic body failed to hire doctors and other support staffers to run the hospital, which was aimed to save accident victims during the golden hour. The ambulance is currently gathering dust at the civic headquarters in Belapur.

The third project was Solar Project at Morbe Dam, worth Rs163 crore. Funds were allocated for the project, even though it was not viable. Mundhe scrapped that project as well and decided to use the funds to make the city more disabled- and pedestrian-friendly, by improving drainage, creating recreational zones and improvising connectivity, among other things.

Apart from this, Mundhe had taken action against illegal construction in gaothan areas, sealed commercial units, and more importantly, not given much time to corporators. His action against contract workers and hawkers also provoked local politicians.