Uncovered manhole on Chandivali Jama Masjid Road sparks safety concerns

An open and deep manhole without any barricades or protective fencing was spotted on Wednesday on Jama Masjid Road in Chandivali, triggering strong public backlash and raising fresh concerns over civic negligence. The hazard, located on the busy road connecting Sangharsh Nagar Road to Chandivali Farm Road behind the Vicinia residential complex, left pedestrians and vehicles passing dangerously close to the deep opening.

The Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) highlighted the issue, pointing out that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had left the deep manhole completely exposed. The association criticized the civic body, stating that the BMC did not seem to learn from its earlier mistakes.

The discovery of the open manhole caused immediate anxiety among residents, coming just days after a fatal accident in nearby Saki Naka. On July 2, Aslam Isak Shaikh, a resident of Andheri East, died after falling into an uncovered drain in Saki Naka. Police investigators stated that the incident occurred at approximately 12:26 pm while Shaikh was walking home from work.

Following that fatal accident, four civic officials, including the L Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner, were suspended earlier this month over alleged negligence.

Anil Jadhav, the L Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner who is currently holding additional charge of the ward, stated he was not previously aware of the open manhole on Jama Masjid Road. Upon being informed of the situation, Jadhav assured that civic staff would be dispatched to the spot immediately to secure and cover the hazard.

The situation has drawn sharp criticism from local citizens, who questioned the BMC's commitment to public safety and its handling of hazardous civic infrastructure. Some residents expressed skepticism over the municipal corporation's accountability, noting that administrative action and visits often only occur after fatal accidents have already taken place.