BMC wakes up to citizens problems, sanctions pothole tracking software

It appears that the Shiv Sena-led Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has only now woken up to the concerns of citizens. Despite the monsoon nearing an end, the civic administration has sanctioned a pothole tracking software worth Rs60 lakh and a Robotic Multipurpose Excavator (RME) for de-silting worth Rs8 crore.

The Sena-BJP alliance on Thursday pushed for an online geographical information system (GIS) for pothole tracking and repair in real time, and a European desilting machine.

The proposal comes at a time when several pothole locations have already been tended to, and Ganeshotsav has come and gone. “The de-silting machine should have been here in April when the pre-monsoon preparatory work was underway. This is a frivolous waste of taxpayers’ money and sign of ill-management.” said opposition leader Rajhans Singh.

However, the ruling party believes this is the ideal time to procure the new tools. “The programme has been successful in Pimpri Chinchwad. Mumbai being the financial capital, ought to adopt the software. Meanwhile, the desilting machine is capable of singlehandedly performing the task of three machines,” said Rahul Shewale, standing committee chairman. 

Rajeev Jalota, additional municipal commissioner, said, “We need to adopt this system on an experimental basis for a year. The robotic de-silting machine will also be used for digging roads, cutting trees and lifting heavy objects. The machine will be procured within five months and will be used for nullah desilting in the next monsoon.”