Top BMC officials to explain potholes on Mumbai roads

The back-breaking potholed roads in the city are a result of callousness of civic officials at both the ward and zonal level. To address the issue, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) convened a meeting of all the 24 assistant municipal commissioners (AMCs) and seven zonal-level deputy municipal commissioners (DMCs) last week.

In the meeting, held at the civic headquarters, it was found that substandard material was being used for filling potholes, which was being conveniently overlooked by these officials.

The task of filling potholes is undertaken at the ward level, under the supervision of the AMCs.

“After the filling material was reduced to rubble, we scrutinised its quality. On inspection, it was found that the contractors given the task of filling potholes were using poor-quality material,” said a senior civic official on condition of anonymity.

The AMCs and DMCs have now been asked to provide an explanation for the lapse. At present, the civic body uses hot mix asphalt macadam to fill potholes. “The meeting was taken to seek an effective solution on the multiplying potholes. We are chalking out an action plan to overhaul the system and improve the condition of roads,” said Aseem Gupta, additional municipal commissioner.

However, he refused to comment on the recklessness of ward- and zonal-level officials. “A mixture of metal and powder to fill dotholes ought to be prepared at a fixed temperature. It has to be filled at the optimum level of depth. It has been found that the correct way of filling potholes is not being observed,” said Sanjay Badve, chief engineer (roads).

The officers demanded that more finds should be allocated for pothole repair. “We have received lesser amount than last year. We have sent a requisition to the commissioner to increase the allocation,” said a zonal level DMC on condition of anonymity.