Questions are being raised over a bulk water treatment and supply operation in Versova, allegedly being run by Mr. Vaibhav Kadam under the names “Kingdom Constructions” and “Shree Ram Water Supply.”

The operation is reportedly involved in treating and storing water in bulk before supplying it to different establishments, including residential societies, hospitals, restaurants and other customers through tankers or other means.

The activity has raised concerns over how the water is sourced, where it is being treated and stored, and whether all the necessary permissions are in place.

Importantly, there is no allegation at this stage that the water being supplied is unsafe or that the operation is illegal. Those questions can only be answered after an inspection and verification by the relevant authorities. However, given the reported nature and scale of the operation, there are questions that need to be addressed by the civic authorities.

The most immediate concern is the source of the water.

It needs to be established whether the water is coming from the BMC supply network, private tankers, borewells, groundwater or another source. If municipal water is being used for a commercial treatment and bulk-supply operation, the basis on which it is being used and subsequently supplied to third parties would also need to be examined.

There are also questions about the treatment process itself.

An inspection would need to establish what treatment systems are being used at the premises, whether the equipment is properly maintained, how frequently the storage tanks and pipelines are cleaned, and whether regular water-quality testing is being carried out.

For water that is ultimately reaching homes, hospitals and food establishments, testing is particularly important. Samples can potentially be taken from the original source, before and after treatment, and from tankers or other containers used for transportation. Laboratory testing would help establish whether the water meets the applicable quality requirements.

The supply to hospitals and restaurants also raises a separate regulatory question. Depending on how the business operates and how the water is ultimately used, different food-safety and other regulatory requirements may apply. The relevant authorities would therefore need to determine whether the operator has the registrations, licences and permissions required for its actual activities.

Environmental compliance is another area that may require examination. Water-treatment systems can generate wastewater and, in the case of reverse-osmosis systems, reject water. How such waste is handled and disposed of would need to be checked, along with whether any approvals from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board are required.

The premises itself may also need to be examined. A water treatment and bulk-supply facility involves more than simply storing water. The authorities would need to establish whether the premises is authorised for commercial water treatment, storage, tanker loading and related activities.

If tankers are being used to transport the water, their condition and suitability would also be relevant. Tanks used to carry water meant for human consumption would need to be maintained and cleaned appropriately to avoid contamination after treatment.

Another issue that may warrant verification is whether the water is being described to customers as “BMC water”, “municipal water” or using any similar representation. If such a representation is being made, it would be important to establish whether it has any official authorisation.

A complaint has therefore called for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), particularly the K/West Ward, to conduct an immediate inspection of the premises and verify the relevant permissions and records.

The complaint has also sought verification of water-quality reports, the source of the water, treatment and storage arrangements, tanker records, premises permissions and other applicable licences. It has further requested that the matter be referred to other competent authorities, including the food-safety authorities and MPCB, wherever their jurisdiction is attracted.

The issue ultimately comes down to a straightforward question: if water is being treated and supplied for consumption by members of the public, are the source, treatment process, storage, transportation and supply all being carried out in accordance with the applicable rules?

Questions have been raised over a reported bulk water treatment and supply operation in Versova allegedly operating under “Kingdom Constructions” and “Shree Ram Water Supply.”

With water reportedly being supplied to homes, hospitals and restaurants, the source, treatment, storage, transportation and required permissions need to be verified.

We urge the BMC and concerned authorities to conduct an immediate inspection and enquiry, including independent water-quality testing.

Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

In a significant development prompted by a letter from Mumbai Uncensored dated April 5th to the BMC, the municipal body has demolished Illegal Constructions in Versova. The BMC has also suspended Somesh Shinde, an Assistant-engineer from the K West ward, for neglecting illegal and unauthorized constructions under his jurisdiction in Andheri West, particularly in the CRZ areas of Versova. Despite multiple complaints, Somesh Shinde failed to take appropriate action against these violations.

An additional blow to Somesh Shinde’s professional conduct was his absence from a crucial meeting with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on June 5. For this absence, he has been issued a show-cause notice and given two days to respond.

Further compounding his suspension, on June 3, Somesh Shinde was instructed to prepare for the demolition of three unoccupied buildings in Versova, including arranging manpower and logistics. However, he neglected these duties. On the day of the demolitions, while senior officials stood in the sun overseeing the operations, Shinde was found sitting in a private air-conditioned car and left before the demolition was complete.

The suspension order also accuses Somesh Shinde of chronic absenteeism, not reporting to the office, and manipulating his attendance records by punching in outside of the workplace. A departmental inquiry is underway, and his suspension will remain in effect until its conclusion.

In related actions, Swapnil Kolekar, Executive Engineer of the K West ward, has been transferred to another department. Meanwhile, a dedicated team has been formed to identify unauthorized constructions in the CRZ areas of Versova and prepare for their demolitions.

The news of demolition of illegal constructions follows a letter submitted by Mumbai Uncensored to the BMC on April 5th, highlighting the ongoing issues and urging for stringent action against the negligence of duties by municipal officials.

Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored, 7th December 2023:

Mumbai Uncensored has unearthed a shocking case of corruption involving high-ranking officials in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The scandal, exposed by social worker Mr. Rameez Raja, reveals a systematic embezzlement of funds intended for laborers engaged in the Swachhata Yojna, Motor Loading, Manning & Mopping Scheme.

In 2007, BMC initiated these schemes, employing laborers through registered NGOs. Alarming details emerged regarding their paltry daily wages, which ranged from Rs. 141 in early 2007 to a marginal increase of Rs. 144 to Rs. 146 in 2008. Concerns over unjust wages prompted BMC’s standing committee to pass resolutions in 2010 and 2011, specifying minimum wages for laborers through circulars dated 30.4.2011 and 2.9.2021.

However, Mumbai Uncensored’s investigation reveals a nefarious plot within the BMC’s Western Suburbs (Zone 3). SWM Executive Engineer Mr. Chandan Shive, along with a network of SWM officials, allegedly manipulated funds. Instead of ensuring fair compensation to NGOs and, consequently, laborers, these officials diverted a substantial portion—estimated between 20-22 crores—for personal gain.

Trusted sources affirm that Mr. Rameez Raja, a vigilant social worker, has sent a detailed letter to the Chief Minister outlining the corruption. Raja emphasizes the urgent need for a thorough investigation and the suspension of implicated BMC officials. The funds, he insists, rightfully belong to the laborers who toiled diligently to maintain the city’s cleanliness.

Mumbai Uncensored has obtained a copy of a letter from Mr. Hemant Sawant, additional deputy commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Department, Mumbai. Addressed to BMC Commissioner Mr. Iqbal Singh Chahal, the letter lists multiple complaints received from citizens, the Maharashtra Government, and the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Despite these grave allegations, no visible actions have been taken by the BMC.

This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of BMC officials and their commitment to addressing corruption within their ranks. Mumbai Uncensored will continue to investigate and report on this matter to ensure accountability and justice for the laborers who deserve their rightful compensation.