Firm run by tainted contractor’s kin gets Mumbai civic body contract again

Overruling opposition from city councillors, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) passed the proposal on Monday to award a Rs6.8 crore bid to Kaviraj MMB Waste Management Pvt Ltd, a company started by the same group that ran Shree Kaviraj Infratech Pvt Ltd, blacklisted in 2016.

Kaviraj MMB Waste Management Pvt Ltd has been appointed to transport 650 metric tonnes of garbage per day from Mahalaxmi refuse transfer station to the dumping ground at Kanjurmarg, Deonar or Mulund for a year. The contract will cost BMC Rs6.8 crore at the rate or Rs278 per metric tonne.

Shree Kaviraj Infratech Pvt Ltd was blacklisted by the storm water drains department of BMC more than a year ago for violating rules.

Last week, BMC’s standing committee had refused to appoint the new firm, stating that it was linked to the blacklisted contractor and demanding that the administration give answers to the committee. An official of the solid waste management department in response said that the firms, although run by the same family, are headed by two different people.

“The directors of the companies are different. There is no regulation that states that a company run by a blacklisted contractor’s relative can be barred from bidding,” added the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Vipul Jain, owner of Shree Kaviraj Infratech, confirmed that Kaviraj MMB is run by his brother but has no financial connection with his blacklisted company.

This is the second garbage transportation contract that has been awarded to Kaviraj MMB this year. A couple of months ago, it was also appointed to transport garbage from Gorai refuse station, despite opposition from councillors and party leaders.