Residents accuse BMC of corruption in Golden Gate scam

In Mumbai, the residents of Kalina have expressed their frustration towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) due to a lack of response related to the alleged golden gate scam, a situation that has escalated over the past ten months. Discontent has arisen primarily from Deepak Jadhav, an assistant engineer in the H-East ward, who has not responded to inquiries and Right to Information (RTI) requests regarding discrepancies in the reconstruction work of the BMC Chowky. Locals have highlighted that the BMC disbursed Rs 1.88 lakh for a simple sliding gate, pointing out a significant waste that they believe could amount to Rs 7.98 lakh overall in unsanctioned expenditure. Residents, organized under the banner of the Voice of Kalina (VOK), have constantly urged the civic body to investigate the matter comprehensively but received no acknowledgment despite addressing multiple grievances to both Jadhav and higher officials including the additional municipal commissioner. In their letters, community members have criticized what they describe as a “delay and deny technique” employed by BMC officials. They assert that no substantial progress has been reported regarding their previous complaints, making the only option left for them a public protest. Expressing their determination, Clarence Pinto, a VOK member, emphasized the difficulties caused by prolonged silence from officials on matters crucial to the community’s welfare. This lack of communication has impeded necessary actions and resulted in a growing call for accountability from the civic body. Various citizen groups have rallied in support, and they are prepared to demonstrate outside the H-East ward office in a peaceful manner if no corrective actions are taken soon. The Mumbai Citizens Forum also delivered a stark warning about the potential protest, urging BMC officials to address their grievances to uphold the principles of transparency and responsiveness mandated by the RTI Act. Jadhav has responded by acknowledging that investigations into the Kalina Chowky reconstruction are underway, though he stated that it would take time to check the extensive accounts related to the spending. This commitment from the official comes after considerable public pressure, indicating a need for change in how civic authorities engage with community concerns. As residents prepare for their demonstration, they aim to highlight the ongoing issues with BMC’s management and to demand accountability over civic expenditure.