The civic body seems to be getting its act together. It recently restarted a call-and-pick-up service, lying defunct until now, for debris generated out of renovation/repair work at residents' homes.

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Restarting the helpline numbers on which residents can call to hand over construction waste to civic workers, however, took a year, dna report and concentrated efforts of mainly two people — Anil Joseph, a Bandra-based civic activist, and former additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani.

According to the Greater Mumbai Sanitation and Cleanliness Bylaws, 2006, it is the responsibility of the generators (those doing repair/renovation work) to store the segregated C and D waste (construction refuse) at source.

The generator must then call a local helpline number of BMC or the agent appointed by the civic body, which will then send a vehicle to pick up the waste. The corporation will charge the generator a specified amount and then transport it to a processing centre.

But, as reported by dna on December 11, 2013, thanks to the lethargic approach of civic officials and lack of awareness amongst the public in this regard, the service had become dead, until Joseph raised the issue, first with the local H-west ward and later with senior civic authorities. His persistent efforts and the dna report set the ball rolling. Adtani, then at the helm of affairs in the solid waste management department, not only ensured the service was activated but also made sure there was a policy put in place in this regard in the BMC budget for 2014-15.

"We must thank Adtani for taking the issue seriously and expediting the process. This is a perfect example of how things can be done constructively if civic officials and ALMs cooperate, benefiting the entire city. I hope more officials follow suit," said Joseph, who heads the Perry Road Residents' Association, expressing satisfaction at the BMC issuing dedicated helpline numbers for all wards.

Adtani, on the other hand, appreciated Joseph's efforts. "We would not have been able to launch the service again had the norm not been pointed out by the resident and dna. Their efforts are appreciated," he added.Helpline numbersA ward (Fort, Nariman Point): 022-22607000B ward (Dongri, Masjid): 022-23736622C ward (Chandanwadi): 022-22014022D ward (Nana Chowk, Grant Road): 022-23861426E ward (Byculla, Dockyard): 022-23081471F-south (Parel): 022-24134560F-north (Matunga, Sion): 022-24024353G-south (Lower Parel, Worli): 022-24305031G-north (Dadar, Mahim): 022-24397800H-east (Santa Cruz, Bandra east): 022-26182217H-west (Bandra west): 022-26422311K-east (Andheri east): 022-26840103K-west (Andheri west): 022-26239499P-south (Goregaon west): 022-28721186P-north (Malad west): 022-28823266R-central (Borivli west): 022-28946000R-north (Dahisar): 022-28936000R-south (Kandivli): 022-28056000L ward (Kurla): 022-26505103M-east (Mankhurd): 022-25502270M-west (Chembur): 022-25225000N ward (Ghatkopar): 022-25010161S ward (Bhandup): 022-25947570T ward (Mulund): 022-25645289People can also call on the Worli control room number 022-24935687/88/93 to hand over debris.