Work in progress-BMC, Mantralaya clueless!
Noember 21, 2006
It was a good sight to see the cleaning and repair work of heritage statues at Hutatma Chowk, yesterday. The BMC authorities otherwise ignore these silent standing statues. The entire area and the fountain was cleaned and painted with surrounding lawn being levelled and a big ‘shamiana’ was set of underway. The nameplate the nameplate displaying ‘Hutatma Chowk’ was repainted. This work that began early morning went on till late evening. However, the amusing part of the story is that the BMC and Mantralaya officials were just not in a position to tell why the preparations were going on such urgency at the Chowk.
Assuming that the renovation and clean up drive was on account to mark the memory of Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (SMM) which is held every year, the reporter called up in the concerned BMC ‘A’ ward office for further information. The ward Assistant Commissioner, V Balamvar was unaware of the development. Later after several follow ups, the Assistant Engineer of the ward, Taware confirmed and said, “The preparations are on account of the function for the Hutatma Din for 21st November. We have issued orders for the clean up drive. However, it is mantralaya that arranges the official function. Ideally the Chief Minister, Mayor and other dignitaries would be present at the Hutatma Chowk at 9:30 am, to pay homage to the martyr’s of the SMM.” For further confirmation, Mantralay publicity department was contacted, which had no idea of the function and reacted to Hutatma Din was and unfamiliar term. The worst came from CM Vilasrao Deshmukh Personal Assistant who was puzzled and said, “Sorry. Is he really attending any function of this tomorrow? I have no idea about it.”
It is shocking that the officials are unaware of the reason for the preparations at the Flora Fountain; which happens to be a major tourist attraction and stands as one of the busiest areas of Mumbai. The reactions from the officials confirmed the lethargic nature of government authorities in not only executing their responsibilities at work but also in addressing a simple confirmation to press, over ‘Work In Progress’ at Mumbai’s famous public spot. So finally, after so many telephone calls and visits to the site, one was left with no official details confirming the reason of the preparations, but to keep guessing like the CM’s personal assistant.