BMC projects face delays due to adherence to model code of conduct

Mumbai: As the state assembly elections approach, many civic projects are facing delays due to compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Some of the projects include restoration work of the historic Bangan tank, implementation of hawker policy, completion of billboard policy, desalination plant and procurement of mobile vans for automated ambient air quality survey.

Last month, the BMC had initiated tenders for various infrastructure and beautification projects. However, pending the completion of bidding and issuance of work orders, the MCC came into effect on October 15.

Advertising Displays” and the creation of a new city vending committee to implement the long-awaited policy towards street vendors. According to civilian sources, the implementation of these projects will begin only after the State Assembly elections.

The civil authorities have divided the contract for the restoration of the Banganga tank at Walkeshwar into three phases: devastation, heritage conservation work and lighting. The tender process was delayed by MCC, pushing back the start of actual work to December and leaving BMC with a target to meet the March 2025 deadline.

Also, the BMC’s plan to procure four mobile air quality survey vans has stalled in the tender process, leaving them with only one monitoring van across the city. Also, the process of inviting fresh tenders for the ambitious Manori desalination plant, which aims to increase daily water supply by 200 million liters, has been delayed until after the elections, a senior civic official said.

Two other major policies aimed at tackling the city’s long-standing problems of illegal billboards and street vendors are expected to gain momentum after the elections.

The BMC was scheduled to hold hearings on a new draft outdoor advertising policy framed in the wake of the tragic Ghatkopar billboard crash that left 17 people dead.

However, the hearings will now take place only after the election process is completed. In addition, the results of the election of hawker representatives to the city trade committee will determine the implementation of hawker policies.

Moreover, according to civic sources, the implementation of many civic projects in the constituencies has slowed down as more than 12,000 staff and officials are busy with election duties.