This is an archive article published on December 1, 2024
BMC scraps Rs 120-crore plan to acquire 30 e-sweepers
An e-sweeper is a vehicle with an attached broom, which is used for sweeping and deep-cleaning dust from roads and public spaces.
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | December 1, 2024 08:16 PM IST
3 min read
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To improve accessibility, the BMC encourages residents to submit their living wills to the designated medical health officers in their respective wards for safekeeping. (File)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped its Rs 120-crore proposal for acquiring nearly 30 mechanical e-sweepers that were to be used for deep-cleaning the roads in the city and suburbs.
An e-sweeper is a vehicle with an attached broom, which is used for sweeping and deep-cleaning dust from roads and public spaces. In Mumbai, e-sweepers were introduced in 2016 on a pilot basis at the Marine Drive area and over the years, it was augmented to other parts of Mumbai.
According to deputy municipal commissioner Kiran Dighavkar, “After the tenders were floated, we did a scrutiny and took inputs from several stakeholders when we came to know that these sweepers are not flexible. For example, if a car is parked on the road, these sweepers wouldn’t be able to clean the portion of the road under the car, however, in manual sweeping, this task could be easily achievable. Therefore, the ward officials are of the opinion to scrap this project for the time being.” Dighavkar also maintained that usage of mechanical sweepers is also being opposed by the BMC workers’ union.
At present, the civic body has 16 e-sweepers, which are being operated by private contractors. Nine of them run on electric and seven on diesel.
The BMC had floated a tender of Rs 120 crore for acquiring at least 30 such sweepers that would be deployed in the island city, eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. The tenders were floated in October, however, since the civic authorities couldn’t get potential bidders the tender was scrapped last week.
“However, the mechanical sweepers are very good with sweeping of roads in comparison with manual sweeping. Therefore, we are in talks with multiple parties and stakeholders to formulate a device or technology that could be a combination of both manual and mechanical sweeping of roads. It will bring us effective results and will also be flexible,” Dighavkar said.
In Mumbai, e-sweepers were first introduced in 2016. Initially these sweepers were deployed in South Mumbai’s A ward and till date is being used for sweeping the Marine Drive and nearby areas. Later, by using the union ministry’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) funds, the BMC acquired 16 e-sweepers whose usage was divided into the island city, eastern and western suburbs.
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“The MMRDA pays us (BMC) for using these sweepers in order to clean the BKC area. Most of the places where these sweepers are used are open highways where there’s no compact space, therefore, the issue of flexibility doesn’t create any hindrance,” Dighavkar said.
At present, these sweepers are being used by the BMC for sweeping the Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Highway, the Eastern Freeway, the Santacruz Chembur Link Road and several areas in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
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