+
BMC scraps desalination project tender
ECONOMY & POLICY

BMC scraps desalination project tender

BMC had scrapped the tendering process for the much-anticipated desalination project, which aimed to increase the city's water supply by 200 million liters per day (MLD), due to a lack of suitable bidders. Despite multiple deadline extensions since December 2023, the project failed to attract participants, leading civic authorities to investigate the reasons for the lack of interest.

The most recent bid extension ended on August 29. A senior civic official explained that, despite extending the deadline several times, they either received one bid or none at all. Therefore, it was decided to cancel the tendering process, as further extensions no longer seemed viable. However, the official assured that the project remained a priority and would not be rushed, adding that experts would be consulted to determine the reasons for the limited interest.

In February 2021, the BMC had appointed an Israeli company to draft a detailed proposal for the project. SMEC India was later hired in January 2022 to review the study and designs prepared by the Israeli firm. A tender notice was issued on December 4, 2023, for the construction of a plant to convert saline water into potable water.

Previously, Congress had raised allegations of cartelisation in the tender process, accusing the conditions of being manipulated to favour a specific bidder. They had called on the BMC to provide an explanation and urged the cancellation of the entire tender process if the allegations were proven true.

BMC had scrapped the tendering process for the much-anticipated desalination project, which aimed to increase the city's water supply by 200 million liters per day (MLD), due to a lack of suitable bidders. Despite multiple deadline extensions since December 2023, the project failed to attract participants, leading civic authorities to investigate the reasons for the lack of interest. The most recent bid extension ended on August 29. A senior civic official explained that, despite extending the deadline several times, they either received one bid or none at all. Therefore, it was decided to cancel the tendering process, as further extensions no longer seemed viable. However, the official assured that the project remained a priority and would not be rushed, adding that experts would be consulted to determine the reasons for the limited interest. In February 2021, the BMC had appointed an Israeli company to draft a detailed proposal for the project. SMEC India was later hired in January 2022 to review the study and designs prepared by the Israeli firm. A tender notice was issued on December 4, 2023, for the construction of a plant to convert saline water into potable water. Previously, Congress had raised allegations of cartelisation in the tender process, accusing the conditions of being manipulated to favour a specific bidder. They had called on the BMC to provide an explanation and urged the cancellation of the entire tender process if the allegations were proven true.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

DGML Discovers India’s First Ni–Cu–PGE Deposit in Chhattisgarh

Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML), India’s first and only listed company in the gold and critical minerals sector, has announced a major breakthrough with the discovery of Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Element (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralisation in the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Chhattisgarh. This marks the first such discovery in India.The company’s geochemical and geophysical surveys have identified a mineralised zone that may hold significant reserves. DGML is set to begin test drilling shortly to determine the scale and grade of the deposit.This discovery comes after DGML was ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Coal India, IIM Mumbai Launch Logistics Training Programme

In a key step to enhance technical capabilities and operational efficiency, Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai to roll out the second edition of its Postgraduate Programme for Executives (PGPEx) in Logistics, titled “Logistics and Operations Excellence through Digitisation.”The MoU was signed at IIM Mumbai by Dr Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), Coal India, and Prof Manoj K. Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai. The programme is designed to upskill senior leaders from Coal India and its subsidiaries in logistics, ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

PM Modi To Launch Rs 22 Billion Projects In Varanasi

In a major development boost for his parliamentary constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on Saturday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a series of infrastructure projects valued at around Rs 22 billion.During the visit, PM Modi will also address a public gathering at 11 a.m. and release the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Over Rs 205 billion will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of more than 97 million farmers across India, reaffirming the government’s ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector.T..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?