Dual identity sweeping machine

As part of a challenge to show how a street sweeper was in working condition, the machine is driven into municipal corporation. But it turns out to have dual number plates

As part of a challenge to show how a street sweeper was in working condition, the machine is driven into municipal corporation. But it turns out to have dual number plates

Here's why you shouldn't accept a challenge if, as it seems, you are in the wrong. When a municipal corporator on September 16, claimed that a company hired to clean Ulhasnagar's streets, had been cheating the municipal body, and challenged the company concerned to produce its vehicle, it was a challenge the company, Anthony Waste Handling Private Ltd, was ill-advised to take up.

The company that was contracted last year to clean the city's streets using a street sweeper -- or a vehicle with a mechanical sweeping machine -- has been provided a garage that is a fifteen-minute drive away from the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC). The municipal body pays the firm Rs 40,000 everyday and in turn is expected to use its street sweeper to clean 25 kilometres of the city's roads.

Four hours after Rajendrasingh Bhullar, a Shiv Sena Corporator, laid the challenge in a general body meeting of the UMC, the vehicle was driven into the UMC's premises. But to everyone's surprise, it sported two different number plates (MH04 AM 439 in the front and MHO4 AM 418 at the rear), raising suspicions that the company had hurriedly organised for a street sweeper.

So far, the firm has reportedly been paid Rs 1.5 crore for services provided but many locals say they have never seen the street sweeper in action.

Bhullar, who opposed the decision last year to grant the company the contract, arguing that no street sweeper could operate on Ulhasnagar's potholed roads, said, "I had promised to offer my resignation if the machine was produced in good condition."

The vehicle was immediately seized, and later, the company was reportedly allowed to take it away.
Saiju Jaickob of Anthony Waste Handling said, "The matter was settled the next day. There was a misunderstanding concerning the number plates. Otherwise, the machine is in working condition."