The Hindu : BJP smells a scam in dustbin deal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 21, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

BJP smells a scam in dustbin deal

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 20. Alleging a multi-crore scam in purchase of mobile-wheeled plastic bins by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the opposition BJP in the civic body today demanded an inquiry into the entire deal.

In a letter to Delhi's Lieutenant-Governor, Vijai Kapoor, the Leader of the Opposition in MCD Standing Committee, Vijender Kumar Gupta, urged that the case of purchase of these mobile bins be referred to the Anti-Corruption Department for a thorough enquiry. He also demanded that the entire scheme be scrapped immediately.

The civic body had recently purchased a large number of plastic mobile-wheeled dustbins at an estimated cost of Rs. 12.75 crores. The scheme was first introduced in Rohini Zone in December. Mr. Gupta alleged that the dustbins were of very poor quality and its presence at every nook and corner of Rohini has defaced public places. "The bins are of very small thickness and resemble plastic toys. Almost all the wheels provided with the bins have got damaged," he alleged.

Referring to the entire tender procedure, he alleged that there was pooling of contractors in this regard. "On the basis of first hand experience and reaction of the residents of the area, I am of the firm opinion that the scheme must be scrapped," he said.

"The plastic bins dustbins provided at various spots have created dhalaos everywhere in Rohini. The solid waste gets spread over the area/ground where these bins are placed. Burning materials such as plastic and paper are dropped in these bins causing irreparable damage," he said in his letter, adding that the residents were now shifting these bins out of their locality.

Referring to the proposal, which was placed before the Standing Committee in this regard last year, he claimed there were no specifications like capacity of the bins and thickness and quality of plastic sheets and other materials to be used for the bins and other parts. There was no reference to ISI specifications also, he alleged.

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