Now, Pardeshi admn caught in Rs 25 lakh ‘garbage stink’

No competitive bidding held, tender process manipulated, says Shiv Sena

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Shiv Sena has alleged serious irregularities in purchase of 'odo fresh' - a compound spread on garbage to reduce foul odour - for Rs 25 lakh by the environment engineering department of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

In a letter submitted to Municipal Commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi, the Sena alleged that there was manipulation in tender process as one company with three names bid for the contract. "There was no competitive bidding. The same company quoted different rates for the same product," said Sena corporator Seema Savle based on an RTI reply received from the PCMC.

Savle said only 150 litres of 'odo fresh' was required for the Moshi garbage depot but the civic body purchased 1,275 litres. "This means, the civic body has incurred a loss of nearly Rs 17 lakh," said Savle.

Savle said two companies who bid for the contract are in partnership. "Some of their directors are also same. One of the companies was not eligible to take part in the bidding process as it was set up a year ago. However, it was allowed to do so. One company which was a labour contractor firm was allowed to participate under the guise of a chemical supplier," said Savle.

She said it was made to believe there was competitive bidding. "Actually, no bidding took place. Besides, the plan was to purchase 240 litres of the product but 1,275 litres was purchased," she added.

"One product, one contractor and three different rates..this is what has come to light through RTI. This was done either without civic chief's knowledge or he glossed over them," she said.

Interestingly, the allegation made by Sena against civic administration are the same that were levelled by the Municipal Commissioner against PCMC health chief Dr Anand Jagdale. In his department enquiry order, Pardeshi had stated that Dr

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