The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has blacklisted a contractor for two years after an investigation found that minors were engaged in desilting work at the Korba Mithagar drain in Wadala. The civic body has also cancelled the contractor’s registration, making it ineligible to participate in BMC tenders or execute municipal projects during the ban period.
The action was initiated after videos circulating on social media allegedly showed children involved in desilting operations at the site in Mumbai’s F North ward. The BMC subsequently launched an inquiry and sought an explanation from the contractor.
The contractor, M/s Vyom Corporation, had secured a Storm Water Drains Department contract for desilting major drains under Circle-2 for 2025-26 and 2026-27, covering Wadala, Sewri, Naigaon, Worli and Dadar.
In its response, the company denied employing the children seen in the videos, claiming they were not associated with its workforce. It also submitted a declaration from its labour supplier to support its stand.
However, the BMC said the explanation was not satisfactory. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar said the inquiry, based on video footage, documentary evidence and the contractor’s submissions, confirmed that at least three minors had been engaged during the execution of the work.
Following the findings, the civic body imposed a two-year ban on the contractor and reiterated its strict stance against child labour in municipal infrastructure projects.
Source: Hindustan Times
