MUMBAI, September 29: At the risk of inviting contempt of court, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to go ahead and implement night-sweeping of the city from October 1, 1999 regardless of inviting contempt of court.Solid Waste Management chief engineer R P Chitravanshi told reporters that the administration is firm about the implementation of this concept.``We have work to be done. Come what may we will go ahead. Even if we have to commit contempt of court in the process, we are determined,''said Chitravanshi.Municipal Mazdoor Union (MMU) which is the largest union with a strength of over 25,000 workers, is opposed to the move. It has moved the Industrial Court and obtained to get a stay against the implementation of the new proposal until October 7. The court had directed both parties to hold discussion and arrive at a solution.Chitravanshi said that if the workers do not cooperate the civic administration have prepared themselves for an alternative.``We have contactednon-governmental organisations and social service groups to provide us labour in every ward and through them will be able to start the cleaning programme. We can't wait for October 7, 1999. The issue may get further delayed. If what we are doing is illegal, the court will act against us,''said Chitravanshi.Further he said that night-sweeping is a success in cities like Thane, Surat and Hyderabad.``It will lessen the burden of the day's work. Those leaving for their duties will find the difference at railways, hospitals, commercial centres, markets, Sachivalaya and Mantralaya. They won't be greeted with huge amount of garbage.''he said, adding the civic administration has decided to employ men below 45 years and change their duties after sometime so as to not keep them permanently on night-shift. The new shift will be between 5 pm to 12am. At present there are two shifts, between 6.30am and 1.30pm and 2-9pm.MMU claims that of the total 33,500 strength of the conservancy department, 95 percent owesallegiance to MMU. Overall about 27,000 workers are sweepers, mukaddams and overseers. Chitravanshi said 300 new chowkies will be constructed through sponsorship where the staff may change and refresh themselves. The first chowky is ready to be inaugurated next to Oval Maidan soon.
