UDD directed MMRDA to table tenders: Officials

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials have alleged that it was the state Urban Development Department (UDD), headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, that directed it to float bids for construction of the Ambedkar memorial even though key reports like the DPR and the master plan were in draft stages and yet to be finalised.

The UDD, in a communication dated April 13, 2017, directed the MMRDA to float bids for the construction of the 350-foot-tall Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial on the basis of the concept plan and final maps prepared.

“The construction of Ambedkar Memorial on Indu Mills land has already been decided by the state government and the single member committee formed for construction has prepared and submitted a detailed project report (DPR) and master plan to the sate government for the project. Accordingly, I am hereby directed to direct you to float bids on the basis of detailed maps after preparing a tentative estimate of the cost,” reads the communication written by Kishor D. Girolla, Under Secretary, Urban Development Department, to MMRDA commissioner UPS Madan.

According to MMRDA officials, they had warned Mr Fadnavis, who is also chairman of MMRDA, against inviting controversy by floating bids when crucial reports required for construction are in draft stages. But the chief minister was adamant and allegedly directed MMRDA to float bids on April 14. In a text message, Mr Fadnavis said, "nothing is pending with state government.”