Mumbai: In keeping with the Central government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to instal 560 perforated stainless steel garbage bin units at a distance of every 50 metres at various commercial points in the city. Every unit, costing Rs 9,450, will consist of a dry and wet waste bin, with a capacity of 40 litres each. The entire project, including the base price of the bin set, installation and taxes, will cost around Rs 55 lakh.
However, opposition corporators have expressed apprehension over these dustbins being used by anti-social elements to place bombs. After the 26/11 terrorist attacks, the BMC had removed the opaque bins then in use, citing their opacity as being a security issue as bombs could be placed in them and they would go undetected. “There have been instances in the past when bombs were installed in the bins, endangering human lives. Despite it were recalled in 2009, why is the BMC bringing them back, ” asked an opposition corporator from the BMC. Another corporator raised a concern over the cost of the bins and the possibility of them being stolen. “Stainless steel is expensive and these bins could get stolen. Besides, during repair work on the roads, the bins are removed and no one bothers about the reinstallation,” he added. However an official from the solid waste management department, involved in this project, said, “The perforated nature of bin will allow transparency. The BMC will also monitor the project closely after installation to avoid theft of the bins.” The proposal was supposed to be tabled in the BMC standing committee meeting on Wednesday for discussion. However, the meeting was adjourned as a mark of respect to the late socialist leader George Fernandes, who passed away on Tuesday. The proposal will be tabled in the standing committee on February 4, Monday.
