District Magistrate Savin Bansal, during his tenure as administrator, took decisive action against sanitation companies Watergrace and Ekon Waste Management Solutions. Upon assuming administrative responsibilities, DM Bansal issued strict notices, imposed penalties, and after a three-month ultimatum, removed Watergrace from operations in 47 wards. He also initiated a high-level probe into Ekon’s operations across 26 wards.
Persistent public complaints highlighted dissatisfaction with sanitation services. The investigation led by DM Bansal revealed widespread irregularities involving crores of rupees. Ignoring all external pressure and recommendations, he prioritized accountability and removed Watergrace during his administrator period, laying the groundwork for action against Ekon.
The inquiry committee discovered that the original tender was awarded to Bhargava Facility Services Pvt. Ltd. and Sunlight Company. However, Bhargava Facility Services unlawfully appointed Ekon Waste Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd. as an SPV by tampering with official documents, violating tender norms. Furthermore, Ekon received payments even before formal contract dates, despite the absence of any qualifying remarks in tender files.
Due to repeated strikes by employees over salary delays, irregular garbage collection, and inadequate vehicle operations, Dehradun Municipal Corporation terminated Ekon’s contract. Ekon was responsible for sanitation in 26 wards, including Malasi, Vijaypur, Ranjhawala, Racecourse North, MKP, Dalanwala (North, East, South), Badrish Colony, Rajiv Nagar, Vani Vihar, Shah Nagar, Dharmanagar, Nehru Colony 1, Gujrara Mansingh, Danda Lakhond, Aamwala Tarla, Nanurkheda, Ladpur, Nehrugram, Dobhal Chowk, Raipur, Miyanwala, Rest Camp, Balawala, and Nakraunda.
Following the termination, the sanitation responsibility for these wards has been reassigned to Sunlight Company, with instructions to immediately take over operations. Vehicle handovers are also underway. Meanwhile, an investigation into fraudulent tender practices involving Ekon continues. After already removing Watergrace, Dehradun Municipal Corporation is currently handling household waste collection directly.
