Water-sewerage separate entity in pipeline for BEST service

BMC is planning to create a separate entity on the lines of BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) to improve water and sewerage services.

A separate undertaking would mean more autonomy to the departments with a combined budget of Rs 6,300 crore. The civic administration had roped in London-based consultancy firm Deloitte for Rs 49 lakh to study feasibility.

Additional municipal mommissioner Rajiv Jalota said, "The consultants were asked to prepare a detailed report on advantages and disadvantages of patterns such as Delhi Jal Board and BEST, among other options. The civic chief will go through the report and the administration will make a presentation to political parties before a proposal is sent to the general body."

Even after a separate undertaking is created, the water and sewerage departments will continue to be under BMC, unlike Delhi where Jal Board is under the administrative control of the state government.

BEST functions under a separate administrative board but the board has corporators as its members. Also, its major revenue and policy decisions have to be approved by the BMC general body.

Officials claimed the divestment would mean a concentrated and dedicated workforce.

Water and sewerage are highly technical and complex areas requiring expert and qualified engineers and labour. An official said employees of the departments were a highly stressed lot. "Several employees want transfer to other departments due to the demanding nature of work. Development planning and building proposal are the sought-after departments," said another official. "After these departments are carved out to create a separate entity, an incentive-based system can be introduced for employees. Also, the sense of accountability and responsibility is expected to increase after experts and top bureaucrats come on board."

BMC is also planning to appoint IAS officers, water and sewerage experts and retired engineers on the board of the proposed undertaking.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Teen raped at birthday party, sold to man

Alleged bomb planter Siddiqui claims ATS threatened to kill him

Cops pin hopes on CCTV footage to arrest acid attack accused

BMC single window to help people check legality of flats