As a step towards outsourcing the maintenance of its sewerage network, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started micro-mapping the existing sewer connections in the city.
Rajiv Jalota, additional municipal commissioner, said, “The database would be added to the existing GIS map of sewage utilities. We will check the connectivity of the gutters to the main sewers. The study of manholes, too, will be conducted. This will also be of help in road-resurfacing work.”

The database will help the civic body decide on the need to involve private firms for the maintenance work. The mapping work, which started in June last year, is likely to be completed by May. So far, the work in nine wards in the city has been completed.

“We plan to come up with a proposal to rope in an external agency to map the subsidiary street connections,” said an official, on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

According to senior officials, the shortage of staff strength and the exponential growth of population and infrastructure in some parts have forced the civic body to explore the option of outsourcing the maintenance work.

Municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte had proposed the privatisation of maintenance of sewers in his budget speech for the year 2013-14. 

“The aim is to reduce the number of drainage complaints and ensure effective maintenance of the network,” said the official.