Bhayandar: MBMC has ramped up its crackdown on contractors guilty of negligence and non-compliance during ongoing infrastructure projects. Several contractors have been slapped with hefty fines, from poor debris management and drainage maintenance to structural failures amid beautification efforts.

As part of MBMC’s drive to improve air quality and cleanliness, contractors working on road repairs, drainage, and building maintenance are required to promptly clear excavated soil and debris from public spaces. Failure to do so led to strict penalties.

Recent inspections revealed debris scattered across key locations, including Munshi Compound, Deepak Hospital Road, Town Park, Golden Nest, Survey No. 233 in Ghodbunder, the Poonam Garden to Salasar stretch, and the Oswal to Shweta Park road in Bhayandar East. Contractors responsible for these sites were fined for neglecting hygiene and safety standards.

“The civic administration has set clear rules for cleanliness and safety during construction activities. Any contractor violating these norms will be penalized without exception. Clean roads and proper debris management are not just civic responsibilities but essential to public health and traffic safety,” said Commissioner and Administrator Radhabinod Sharma.

In a separate incident, MBMC fined a contractor Rs 5 lakh after the boundary wall of the historic Mandli Lake collapsed during beautification work on May 14. The wall, built in 1992 beside City Hall, failed due to “gross negligence,” officials said.

“Preliminary investigation confirms that the contractor failed to implement adequate safety measures during the work, which directly led to the collapse,” said Commissioner Sharma.

City Engineer Deepak Khambit reported that reconstruction and lake desilting are underway, aiming for completion by June 7.

MBMC also penalised Ashapura Construction with a 10 per cent deduction after a May 20 inspection found incomplete silt removal and poor machinery use during pre-monsoon drain cleaning across various areas.

“Such negligence could jeopardize public health during the monsoon. We will not allow drain cleaning to remain a mere paperwork exercise. Our goal is to ensure visible, effective outcomes that directly benefit public safety,” said Sharma.

MBMC has reiterated its commitment to completing all pre-monsoon drainage works within the stipulated timelines. Departments have been instructed to monitor progress rigorously and ensure transparency and accountability.