Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed the withdrawal of a Rs 2.9-crore tender floated for extensive improvements to the area surrounding her official residence at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla, acting after strong objections from opposition parties.
The plan invited pointed criticism because it followed a recent renovation of the 6,000-sq ft heritage bungalow. The civic administration formally scrapped the tender on Wednesday evening (5 August).
The proposed work covered the installation of bio-absorbent noise barrier panels along ES Patanwala Road, re-laying of interlocking paver blocks after sewer, storm-water drain and utility lines, construction of underground and overhead water tanks, a container-based conference hall with interiors and furniture, internal work for servant and security rooms, and related mechanical and electrical tasks.
Tawde rejected suggestions that the tender concerned the mayor's bungalow, stating instead that it pertained to the wider premises around her residence. "The tender mentioned the heritage bungalow, and named it in such a way due to which a wrong impression was created and I had to face unnecessary criticism," she said, alleging that a "fake narrative" was being spread.
Her statement further read, "The mayor has no information whatsoever regarding this tender, nor is there any reason for them to be aware of it. The mayor has not requested these works. It is specifically emphasised that the proposed works are not inside the Mayor's bungalow."
Rejecting the clarification, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and leader of the opposition in the BMC, Kishori Pednekar, said the ruling party's lack of awareness showed it was "failing" and "don't have a clue".
She accused it of routinely retracting proposals once they drew flak. "How many times will you do this? It means you don't have control over the administration," she said.