HC asks civic chief to look into audit report of flyover

The Bombay High Court today directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai chief to look into the structural audit report of the Lalbaug flyover in south Mumbai, observing it would not allow wastage of public money.
A division bench headed by Justice A S Oka was irked that the civic body had issued work order for resurfacing and realignment work on the 2.48-km-long Lalbaug flyover even before receiving the structural audit report.
"What if the audit report says the work was not required in the first place? Public money is going to waste like this. The BMC is taking such things very casually and not realising that it is losing money," the court said.

While the work order was issued by the corporation last November, it received the audit report only this month.
Counsel E P Barucha, appearing for the civic body, informed the court that the audit report has recommended resurfacing and re-alignment of the flyover along with several other repair works.
The court then sought to know what happens to the work order issued already.

"What happens to the work order issued in November last year? Will it continue or will the corporation issue fresh tenders?" the court asked.
"Has any officer of the civic body applied his or her mind before taking decisions and issuing such work orders? Somebody will have to be held responsible for wasting money," said Justice Oka.

The court directed the civic commissioner to look into the issue and file an affidavit. The court said the commissioner will also have to see if the contractor who had originally constructed the flyover will be held responsible as the flyover developed defects too soon.
The court will continue hearing the petition on March 20.