BMC's Rs 3 crore sweeping machines gathering dust

In less than five years, sweeping machines bought by the civic body for Rs 3 crore are lying unused at the ward offices.

In less than five years, sweeping machines bought by the civic body for Rs 3 crore are lying unused at the ward offices.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had bought 20 sweeping machines at a cost of Rs 15 lakh each in 2006 to clean express highways and important roads.

"Most of the machines are not in working condition. Two machines have been dumped in the D ward (Nana Chowk) office premises," said an official from the solid waste management (SWM) department, who did not wish to be named.

Congress corporator Vinod Shekhar said: "The civic body has failed to clean the roads. The machines, too, have disappeared."

Bhalchandra Patil, chief engineer, SWM department, insisted that some machines were functional. "Twelve to 13 machines are used at the Byculla zoo and at some hospital premises. The machines are being used on roads where the surface is even."

The machines can be used twice or thrice a day and can clean 75,000 sqm in 8 hours.

As per the civic body's plans, they were to be used to sweep the Western Express Highway from Mahim Causeway, SV Road to Dahisar toll naka.

The plan was to start using the machines for the pilot project and gradually introduce it across the city.