BMC to keep tab on essential services

To deal with the mega strike by the central trade unions,the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been directed to ensure that essential services such as hospitals,fire brigade,water supply,sewerage operations should not be affected.

In a circular issued to various departments and the labour officer,Municipal Commissioner Subodh Kumar asked additional municipal commissioners (AMC),head of departments and hospitals to ensure smooth functioning of their departments. According to the circular,senior officials have also been asked to appoint contract labourers to cope with the situation.

The water and sewerage departments have been asked to allow the pumping and water stations to be manned by senior officials in case the staff joins the strike. “Vital water installations and pumping stations should be identified and protected with the help of security and home guards,” stated the circular.

The solid waste management department has been asked to arrange sufficient employees in the morning and evening shifts before the day of the strike. “It should also be ensured that the streets and roads are clean and garbage is removed on the previous day by midnight.”