The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has recently issued fresh tenders for drain cleaning — a move that has raised eyebrows among vigilant citizens and civic observers. The tenders, available on the civic body’s official website, pertain specifically to pre-monsoon nullah (drain) cleaning, a crucial task meant to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
What has sparked concern is the timing of these tenders. Traditionally, pre-monsoon drain cleaning is expected to be completed by May 15, well before the onset of heavy rains. However, with tenders still being released at the end of May, questions are being raised about the credibility of the civic body’s earlier claims.
The NMMC had previously stated that 80–90% of drain cleaning work had already been completed. If that is indeed the case, civic activists are questioning why fresh tenders are being floated at this stage. Is the work being undertaken after it’s claimed to be complete? Or is the drain cleaning actually yet to begin?
“If tenders are being issued now, it raises serious doubts about whether the claimed progress on drain cleaning is accurate,” said one civic activist. “And if the work is yet to begin, it reflects poorly on the planning and urgency of the municipal administration.”
This situation echoes the long-standing issues seen in Mumbai, where irregularities and mismanagement in pre-monsoon preparations have often led to severe waterlogging and public inconvenience. The concern now is whether Navi Mumbai is headed down the same path.
Citizens are being urged to visit the municipal corporation’s tender portal, review the published documents, and voice their concerns. With the monsoon fast approaching, the transparency and efficiency of the civic body’s preparedness are under public scrutiny.
When contacted the Municipal Commissioner Kailash Shinde stated that the tenders are for desilting work. " Nullah cleaning and removal of obstacles which will prevent water from flowing freely is completed. The tenders are for desilting work which has not been done for over a decade. Major work will be done by June 10," he said.
