The Indian Express: Surat: Tuesday, July 10, 2018.
The Municipal
Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has spent an estimated Rs 150 crore for
removal of dead and dangerous trees in the 24 wards for three years, according
to a document procured under the Right to Information (RTI).
The tender
document, which invites contractors for undertaking the work from both
municipal as well as private premises, estimates the cost of removing these
trees to be over Rs 150 crore between April 2016 and April 2018.
“Rs 150 crore
for three years means Rs 4 crore for a month. While the tender also includes
private premises, they always charge private entities. Also, the tender
mentions that the contractors are responsible for disposing of the waste after
cutting. This means they get to sell the wood after cutting. All this means
extra income for the contractor,” said Zoru Bhathena, who had sought the
details under RTI.
However, the
Gardens Department, which invited the tender, denies it. Jitendra Pardeshi,
Superintendent of Gardens, MCGM, said, “It is not true that we pay this huge
sum for removal of dead and decayed trees alone. It is also for the landscaping
of gardens and development of gardens below flyovers.”
The tender
document mentions the contractor’s responsibility to include the removal of
dead and dangerous trees, pruning of branches, and removal of fallen trees.
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