Compensation clause sought in civic tenders

MUMBAI: Beyond penalizing contractors, the BMC has not taken any stringent measures to curb accidents at project sites. Every time a life is lost at such a spot, the BMC simply passes on the responsibility to its contractors. No monetary help however is given to victims’ families since there exists no compensation clause in civic tenders. Activists and corporators say it is high time the corporation takes note of the deaths and adopts steps that instil fear in contractors.
In the last one year, three people have died in separate accidents at BMC project sites. On each occasion, the corporation ended the case by either fining the contractor a meagre amount or by maintaining that there were no lapses on its part. In no case was the family paid damages.
“Development cannot take place over dead bodies. A revision of tender conditions is a must. The current conditions are too lenient,” said Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi Party group leader. “Whenever such a death takes place, the BMC should initiate a case of criminal negligence against the contractor. Contractors compromise on security to cut costs. A compensation clause should be added so that the victims’ families receive some help from the BMC.”
At present, the corporation has only two tender conditions for maintaining safety at construction sites. The first mandates that contractors barricade project sites and put up signage that warn passers-by. The second condition requires contractors to employ security guards to keep round-the-clock watch. It is not always that the two conditions are followed.
Many demanded that the civic body supervise project sites more proactively. Rahul Shewale, chairman of BMC standing committee, said, “The level of supervision by civic engineers should be increased. They should be made responsible for implementing site security guidelines. More precautionary measures should be taken.”
Like the civic body, the MMRDA also demands that all construction sites be barricaded and watched by security staff. According to Ashwini Bhide, additional metropolitan commissioner, the MMRDA has asked “the public in the areas where work is on to report to us about the condition of the barricades”.