dna impact: BMC to set up helpline to collect construction debris

The BMC has set up helpline numbers for construction material collection services. This move will be helpful for residents taking up tenable repairs/renovations in their homes and will help reduce the haphazard dumping of rubble in mangroves.

According to the Greater Mumbai Sanitation and Cleanliness By-laws, 2006 (section 5.7), the BMC should provide residents, who have undertaken either repair or renovation works, a helpline service or appoint agents to collect rubble generated out of this construction activity. The service though had become defunct over the years. However, after a dna report about this on December 11, 2013, the BMC said it would resurrect the service.

“We have set up a helpline service in nine wards. In the remaining wards, we shall launch the service in a week as and when the landline numbers are up. We have already issued a circular to all the ward offices,” said additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani.

The official appealed to residents to avail of the service, which is being made available at cheaper rates than those charged by private operators. “The service will also help save mangroves and keep the city clean as there will be no haphazard dumping of debris on roads and footpaths,” Adtani said.

The BMC plans to collect charges in the range of Rs140 to Rs250 per tonne of debris generated as service charge from residents. “The rates charged will vary from ward to ward. In addition, residents generating debris will have to pay 15 percent supervision charges,” a senior official from solid waste management department said.

Anil Joseph, chairman of Bandra’s Perry Road Residents’ Association, which had raised the issue of arbitrary dumping of debris generated at household-level with the H-west ward, welcomed the decision. “This move will not only help save greenery but will help citizens who are usually charged exorbitant rates. It will help the BMC gather more revenue. It’s a win-win situation.”

How it works?
Residents should call on the helpline number and inform the BMC about the time when the rubble can be collected. At the specified time, BMC-appointed contractor will send his vehicle. According to the circular, residents also can deposit the rubble themselves at chowkies set up by the BMC at 34 places in 24 wards.

Helpline numbers
‘A’ ward: 022-65607001
‘B’ ward: 022-23736642
‘C’ ward: 022-22014026
‘D’ ward: 022-65658818
‘F-north’ ward: 022-24024353 (extension 119)
‘R-south’ ward: 022-28660015
‘R-central’ ward: 022-28921731
‘S’ ward: 022-25940847
‘T’ ward: 022-25640553

Residents of the remaining wards can call up assistant engineers of Solid Waste Management department for debris disposal service till the permanent helpline numbers are available.