Over 1.5k guards can’t stop thefts at Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority sites

MUMBAI: Despite employing 1,587 private guards at project sites at a cost of Rs 10.11 crore, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has not been able to rein in pilferage. Guards have been stationed at monorail sites—from Chembur to Jacob Circle and at colonies being resettled in Oshiwara and Mankhurd. In a letter to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who is also the MMRDA chairman, activist Anil Galgali has sought intervention in the matter. MMRDA officials have admitted that pilferage of construction material takes place at resettlement colonies in the suburbs. However, they could not state the exact losses due to the pilferage. They also denied any partiality in appointment of security agencies.