In a significant move to enhance safety within the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to ensure that all manholes are securely covered. BMC has taken this step to prevent accidents like the tragic incident involving Dr. Deepak Amrapurkar in 2017.
Ward Officers’ Certification
On Monday, the BMC took a major step towards this goal by instructing all
24 ward officers to certify the proper coverage of manholes within their respective areas. This certification involves a personal verification process by BMC staff to ensure that not a single manhole is left open.
Advocates Join the Effort
To add an extra layer of assurance, advocates will accompany BMC ward officers during their rounds to verify the manholes’ status. This move is in compliance with a directive from a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the Bombay High Court.
Reporting and Accountability
Following joint inspections, all officers are mandated to submit a verification report within three weeks from August 11. These reports will detail the number of manholes inspected and whether their top layer lids were found intact.
The Importance of Secure Manholes
The tragic incident of Dr. Deepak Amrapurkar’s accidental fall into an open manhole during heavy rainfall in August 2017 underscores the critical importance of keeping manholes securely covered.
Another challenge faced by the BMC is the theft of manhole covers, often made of valuable cast iron. These stolen covers are sold as scrap, posing both a financial and safety risk. When theft occurs, the local police station is promptly notified, and efforts are made to replace the missing covers as swiftly as possible.
However, the varied shapes and sizes of manholes create additional challenges for authorities.
To combat these issues and ensure the safety of Mumbai’s residents, ward officers will now be joined by advocates appointed by the Bombay High Court during their inspection rounds. The BMC has also installed protective grills on 6, 308 manholes out of the approximately 74, 000 in the city.
With this proactive approach, Mumbai aims to make its streets safer by ensuring that every manhole is securely covered. This initiative not only addresses the issue of open manholes but also takes measures against the theft of manhole covers, ultimately prioritizing the well-being of its citizens. All 24 ward officers have been tasked with this crucial mission, reinforcing Mumbai’s commitment to safety and security.
