BMC Installs Safety Net Over Open Manhole on Jama Masjid Road in Sakinaka

On Wednesday afternoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rushed to install a safety net over a deep, uncovered manhole discovered without barricades on Jama Masjid Road in Sakinaka. This urgent intervention occurred in the civic body's L Ward, just 15 days after a 55-year-old resident of Andheri East, Aslam Shaikh, died after falling into another open manhole on nearby Khairani Road on July 2.

The open manhole was spotted on Jama Masjid Road, which connects Sangharsh Nagar Road to Chandivali Farm Road behind the Vicinia Complex. Following reports of the hazard, L Ward staff and local corporator Dr. Sarita Mhaske arrived at the spot with fabricators to secure the site with a safety net.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of L Ward, Anil Jadhav, stated he was initially unaware of the open manhole but deployed staff immediately upon receiving the complaint. Jadhav explained that no repair work was active at the site, noting that the safety grill had gone in because vehicles pass over it. The safety grill was installed as soon as the complaint was received, he said.

Jadhav currently holds additional charge of the L Ward. This arrangement follows the suspension of four civic officers, including former Assistant Municipal Commissioner Dhanaji Hirlekar, for negligence regarding the fatal July 2 incident.

The recurrence of an open manhole in the same ward has drawn sharp criticism from local residents. Mandeep Singh Makkar from the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association expressed frustration, noting that a very deep manhole was left completely open without barricading or protection while pedestrians and motorists passed dangerously close.

Meanwhile, an inquiry committee formed by BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has yet to submit its findings, a week after its official deadline. An FIR has been registered at the Sakinaka police station regarding the July 2 death, and the contractor involved is currently absconding.