India, April 3 -- A contractor suspected of using substandard concrete to pave streets in Chembur and Mankhurd as part of the city-wide drive to concretise Mumbai's roads has been served a notice by the civic authorities. While the BMC investigates why this batch failed the crucial slump test, it is hard to say whether this is the only instance of substandard concrete being used in the ambitious drive to rebuild Mumbai's streets and make them pothole-free.

The contractor in question, awarded contracts for streets in the eastern suburbs, was hauled up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on March 22 during a spot inspection. He has been given a week's time to respond to the notice, failing which further action will be initiated...