Mumbai: In an important development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has blacklisted a contractor for three years for fraudulent activities related to dredging work in the M West ward (Chembur). The action comes after the contractor’s negligence led to financial loss for the corporation.
The BMC launched an investigation into the dredging work of small drains and other drainage systems in the region, following complaints of poor execution. The contractor, M/s Bhumi Transport, was found mixing rubble with the dredged material, thereby artificially inflating its weight, resulting in financial fraud. A video showing the irregularities was submitted to the Stormwater Drain Department, which led to further investigation.
The investigation, aided by artificial intelligence, uncovered footage of the vehicle transporting the contaminated dredged material, confirming the fraud. The contractor was issued a show-cause notice on 28th April 2025. Despite providing an explanation on 30th April and 7th May 2025, the responses were deemed unsatisfactory.
As a result, the BMC has canceled the contractor’s engineering registration and blacklisted them for three years. The contractor has also been instructed to submit their original registration certificate in compliance with the ‘Registered Contractors Rules 2016.’
This action highlights the BMC’s commitment to maintaining accountability and ensuring quality in its drainage and infrastructure projects. Senior BMC officials, including Commissioner Mr. Bhushan Gagarani, have been actively monitoring the work to prevent such incidents in the future.
