Meera Bhayander’s trash trucks bought years ago were spewing dust in the depot, raising questions over the multi‑million expense.

Meera Bhayandar: Waste Trucks Purchased Years Ago Are Dusting in the Depot, Raising Questions Over Millions Spent

Meera Bhayandar, 1 October (City News Mumbai)
The Meera Bhayandar municipality’s horse‑banned bus depot has revealed that nearly ten hourly trucks purchased for waste collection have been standing unused for years. These vehicles were reportedly bought with funds from a special fund. Some vehicles allegedly never had a license plate affixed, raising doubts about the use of citizens’ money and the administration’s procedures.

According to information, several vehicles have been parked at the municipality’s transport unit depot for a long time. Due to lack of regular use and maintenance, the condition of the vehicles has deteriorated. Prolonged standing has also caused rust to form on the iron parts.

Why were the hourly trucks bought with a special fund if they are not being used?
The purchase of these hourly trucks was made possible by funds from the transport minister and MLA Pratap Sarnaik. The vehicles were intended to strengthen the city’s waste collection system, but questions arise as they have not been used as expected.

The most pressing question is why the purchased trucks are parked in the depot if waste collection vehicles were needed, and when they will actually be put into service.

Questions about vehicle registration
In this case, questions have also emerged about whether the registration process for some vehicles has been completed. Clarification is sought from the municipality administration regarding which steps—purchase, registration, insurance, fitness, and direct use—are still pending.

If the vehicles are not registered, how will they be allowed on the road, and how has the money spent on them been used so far? These questions are also under discussion among citizens.

Demand to disclose full information from purchase to use
Citizens are demanding that the municipality administration publicly disclose all information from the purchase of these vehicles to their current status. This should include each vehicle’s purchase price, purchase date, source of funds, registration status, maintenance expenses, and details of actual usage to date.

If vehicles bought for essential civic services such as waste management remain parked in the depot for a long time, it is natural to question their utility and the effective use of public funds. The administration is expected to provide clear and factual information on the entire matter.