Slum cleaning scheme restarts next month

Over a month after BMC discussed the possibility of replacing the controversial Dattak Vasti Yojana - aimed at keeping slums clean - with Swacha Mumbai Prabodhan Abhiyan, the final proposal was passed Wednesday.

The work is expected to start next month across the 600 slums in the city. Learning from mistakes of Dattak Vasti Yojana, the new scheme has been redesigned to make it a more transparent system.

"We have tightened supervision. There will be regular inspections by higher authorities. Those found slack in work will be removed, while those doing well will be duly awarded certificates every two months," said Prakash Patil, deputy municipal commissioner.

BMC introduced Dattak Vasti Yojana in 2001 in slums where it did not provide cleanliness services.

However, the scheme ran into controversy in 2011, when allegations of misappropriation of funds and corruption were made.

In the new suggested policy, work done by groups employed will be inspected and photographs taken at the end of the day to track progress.

An attempt will also be made to involve locals through a neighbourhood committee. "Strict action will be taken if there is any trace of misappropriation of funds," Patil said.

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