Panvel: Even as the matter remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has moved ahead to fast-track a crucial tender linked to the Kalamboli lake gate pump system, triggering allegations of favouritism and procedural impropriety.
The project, aimed at strengthening flood control infrastructure in the Panvel–Kalamboli region, has come under scrutiny over the manner in which the tender process has been conducted. Sources familiar with the development say multiple technically qualified firms submitted objections, citing irregularities in eligibility conditions and warning of restricted competition. Despite this, officials allegedly proceeded at pace, raising questions over administrative intent while the issue is under judicial consideration.
At the centre of the controversy is a mandatory manufacturer’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) clause. While such requirements are not unusual in public infrastructure contracts, industry observers claim the condition was framed in a way that effectively narrowed the field of bidders. Procurement experts caution that limited participation can weaken price discovery and undermine value for public money.
Corporator Leena Garad has accused the ruling dispensation of exerting pressure on the civic administration. “Contractors in Panvel and the ruling quartet exert pressure to insert conditions that suit them. These go against Government of India CVC guidelines and prevent reputed companies at the state, national or international level from participating. This leads to corruption. Quality is compromised and quantities are inflated,” she alleged.
Garad further claimed that similar violations occurred in earlier contracts, including one awarded to Ronak Advertising Company, and said the issue would be raised in the general body meeting.
Beyond procedure, technical experts have also expressed concern over the reported preference for a smaller-capacity foreign gate pump system, cautioning that flood mitigation projects must prioritise long-term reliability, maintenance feasibility and resilience to Indian operating conditions.
The PMC has not issued an official response to the allegations. Its version will be incorporated upon receipt. With the High Court seized of the matter, the spotlight remains firmly on whether administrative urgency will withstand judicial scrutiny.