Negligent officials, contractors fined `24L for potholes

In a desperate attempt to keep a check on the growing number of potholes on city roads — 10,770 at last count — the civic body has totalled up a fine of Rs24 lakh so far, to be collected from negligent road contractors and municipal officials for not repairing potholes on time.

In a desperate attempt to keep a check on the growing number of potholes on city roads — 10,770 at last count — the civic body has totalled up a fine of Rs24 lakh so far, to be collected from negligent road contractors and municipal officials for not repairing potholes on time.

HT Image

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to fine its staff as well if potholes are not filled within five days of them being reported, as reported in HT’s July 31 edition.

It has not yet decided on the amount it will fine its staff, but road engineers are said to be terrified by the decision. “My officers will decide on a case-to-case basis whether the engineer or contractor is to be blamed and we will accordingly collect a fine,” said Aseem Gupta, additional municipal commissioner.

All this may not mean a less bumpy ride for Mumbaiites. Though the rainfall last month was the lowest ever for July in the past decade, 7,463 potholes were detected. The total number of potholes stands at 10,770.