Mumbai: As Ashray Yojana, the housing project for the BMC’s conservancy staff, continues to be stuck in limbo, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar has urged the civic body to expedite works else he will be “compelled” to take legal recourse.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project, located at Cochin Street in Fort, was conducted in October 2024. Estimated at a cost of Rs17 crore, the plan envisages 54 houses, each measuring 238 sq ft. However, even 10 months after the ceremony, no construction work has begun.
Former BJP Corporator Makarand Narwekar's Letter To Civic Chief Bhushan Gagrani
In a letter to civic chief Bhushan Gagrani, Narwekar said, “If immediate steps are not taken to commence the project on a war-footing, we will be compelled to raise this matter vigorously across all appropriate platforms, including the courts.” He pointed out that beyond their vital role in keeping Mumbai clean, the conservancy staff also play an important part in initiatives like deep clean drives.
“It is deeply disheartening that the project is yet to commence. There is a growing perception that projects only gain momentum before elections to secure votes,” said Narwekar.
He added, “The work has been sanctioned for the redevelopment of buildings 1 and 2. However, the silence and inaction following the tender process indicate a lack of seriousness from the departments concerned.”
Such negligence sends a dangerous message that the welfare of conservancy workers is not a priority for the BMC, Narwekar asserted. He urged the BMC to address the issue with urgency or face legal consequences. Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner (solid waste management), was not available for comment.
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