By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (CN)

Mumbai, Apr 11: Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde led a ‘Morcha’ to the BMC K-West Ward office, Andheri (West), on Friday April 8. Around 900 people participated in the Morcha to highlight corruption in BMC.

Hegde had spoken to the new deputy municipal commissioner Ashok Khaire, his predecessor Kiran Achrekar, and AMC Ramesh Pawar about complaints that the BMC officers are extorting money to the tune of Rs 2 to Rs 15 lac from shopkeepers, traders, and developers of the constituency. He had even briefed the municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar about this but though he was assured of action against the officers in 10 days, no action was taken.

Hegde said BMC officers are even targeting places of worship, hospitals, and hawkers. It is not possible to get work done in the BMC without paying off officials. “People have to visit the BMC again and again with their grievances as officers are not present. The situation is so bad that even a death certificate is difficult to obtain,” he added.

Hegde alleged that BMC officers have become builders and their sons operate the business with other BMC officers investing in their projects.

Hegde said that development work is hampered, road asphalting is not done, and there are major water, drain, and sewerage problems in the area. “The Gaothans are also badly affected by water shortage and the maintenance department is also not responsive,” he added.

“We have given the BMC 10 days to transfer corrupt officers from the building and factories department and also address the problems of the people and in case it is not done we will stage a ‘dharna’ outside the municipal commissioners office,” added Hegde.