October 3, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) vigilance department has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in beautification and slum improvement projects worth Rs 103 crore undertaken in A-Ward between 2023 and 2025. A-Ward encompasses key South Mumbai areas including Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Drive, P D’Mello Road, and parts of Ballard Estate.
The probe was triggered following a complaint by RTI activist Santosh Daundkar. Officials said the vigilance department first issued a notice on August 14 requesting project documents, followed by a second notice on September 22, after preliminary site inspections revealed discrepancies. Investigators reportedly identified missing files, dubious work orders, and suspected financial mismanagement. Several constructions were deemed unnecessary or improperly executed under the guise of improvement works.
In a letter to A-Ward, the vigilance department requested a detailed year-wise summary of all development works, along with original work orders and supporting documents. The letter highlighted prior directives from the additional commissioner on July 24 and the chief engineer on 14 August. It also noted that, despite assurances in a letter dated September 1 that documents would be submitted post-Anant Chaturdashi festival, no submissions had been made.
A-Ward acting assistant commissioner Jaydeep More told the Hindustan Times that the documents were handed over on September 29.
The site inspection revealed several irregularities, including fake repair orders at Colaba, incomplete beautification at Badhwar Park, and partial execution of a Shivaji memorial project. These issues reportedly led to savings of Rs 76,594 and penalties of Rs 45,000. A broader audit covering 29 projects flagged further anomalies, resulting in recoveries of Rs 28.32 lakh and penalties totalling Rs 12.72 lakh.
The vigilance department is expected to review the submissions and decide on further action. The developments have sparked concerns over transparency and accountability in the civic body’s handling of high-value public works in one of Mumbai’s most prominent wards.
Source: The Free Press Journal
