Corporators, backed Samajwadi Party corporator Riyaz Ahmed Wanu pointed out that while the administration claimed on paper that the paint lasts for seven months, it actually wears off within 10 days.

``It is a waste of money as the contractors do such shoddy work. In many instances, cheap chemicals are mixed and the paint is diluted. It does not last over a week,'' said Wanu, calling for the contract to be rejected. He was supported by several members from the Congress, and the ruling Sena-BJPcombine. Wanu said a fresh tender should be called for where the contractors should not merely supply the paint but also maintain the zebra crossings.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Subodh Kumar said this would not be possible right away as the monsoon had almost arrived. However, he said it could be done the next time.

Gung-ho by now, members asked Kumar to guarantee that the paint already used on the crossings would last. Kumar said he could not do that. The Standing Committee therefore rejected the Rs 72-lakh proposal outright.