Updated On: 17 May, 2023 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
Inefficiency and environmental challenges: Persistent struggle of unresolved civic complaints and lingering pollution in Mumbai’s infrastructure despite the civic body spending thousands of crores

New drainage constructed by BMC at Hindmata. File pic
Despite spending thousands of crores every year on various infrastructure projects, the number of civic complaints has remained the same. Over the last 10 years, the BMC received an average of 1 lakh complaints every year, and in 2022, over 40,000 complaints were specifically related to issues such as drainage, solid waste management, and roads. On Tuesday, Praja Foundation released a report on the status of civic issues in Mumbai. The report aimed to highlight the growing problems related to solid waste management, sewerage, and the quality of air and water bodies in Mumbai, and it pointed out an increased number of complaints.
Out of the 1.04 lakh complaints received through the BMC’s central complaining registration system, 17,121 complaints were related to drainage. Among these complaints, 10,079 were for drainage chokes, and 3,646 were related to overflowing drains. Additionally, 12,351 complaints were received for solid waste management issues, mainly regarding garbage not being lifted, and 11,161 complaints were regarding the poor condition of roads. There were also over 30,000 complaints related to buildings (unauthorised, illegal work, etc.) and licenses.