Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing sharp criticism over its third major drain-cleaning drive in just six months, with questions being raised about the necessity and alleged waste of over Rs 1.5 crore especially as most drains appear already clean.
The latest drive, launched in the first week of May, has deployed 17 Poklane machines to clean 47 major drains in the city. According to officials, each machine costs over Rs 2,000 per hour to operate, with Rs 20,000 per machine charged for transportation. Running the operation for 30 days is expected to cost the BMC over Rs 1 crore.
This is BMC’s third major drain-cleaning campaign in 2025, after earlier drives in January (for the Global Investor Summit) and April (for Swachh Survekshan 2024).
However, insiders claim that drains are already clear, with only minor floating debris and most silt removed during the earlier campaigns. “With 3 to 9 inches of flowing water and pre-monsoon showers expected, nature itself would help flush the drains,” said a sanitation department official. People are now questioning the financial prudence of repeated drives, especially when the corporation is already under debt.
What officials said…
"This is sheer waste of public money. If officials do their daily jobs, these repeat cleanings wouldn’t be needed"
Shabishta Zaki Leader of Opposition, BMC
The drive targets specific junctions and areas that were missed earlier. It is essential for comprehensive pre-monsoon cleaning
RK Singh, Mayor-in-Council (Sanitation), BMC
