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The tragic death of 45-year-old Vimal Anil Gaikwad, who fell into an open manhole on a waterlogged road in Mumbai's Andheri, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. The incident, which occurred on August 29, 2024, highlights the city's ongoing struggle with infrastructure failures, particularly during monsoon season. Five days after the incident, an internal report by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attempted to absolve the civic body of any responsibility, claiming that the road in question was under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) and its contractor, Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The BMC report, released on Monday evening, stated that the accident site and surrounding area had been in the possession of MMRCL and L&T since 2015. It further claimed that the BMC had identified “errors” during a site inspection and had informed MMRCL and L&T through letters dated August 24 and August 29, 2024, about these defects and its obligation to rectify them during the Defect Liability Period (DLP). The BMC concluded that MMRCL and L&T were ultimately responsible for addressing the defects at the accident site. While acknowledging the responsibility of MMRCL and L&T, the BMC also admitted that its own staff should have been more vigilant during the heavy rainfall that led to the flooding on the road.
However, the bereaved husband of the deceased woman, Vimal Gaikwad, who filed a police complaint, expressed his grief and demanded justice. He highlighted that his wife was the family's sole breadwinner and that their lives had been shattered by her untimely death. He urged authorities to hold accountable those responsible for the incident. The Mumbai Police have filed an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with the case, while the fire brigade personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
This incident is not an isolated case. Mumbai has witnessed a concerning rise in manhole-related deaths in recent years, with at least seven fatalities reported in 2024 alone. The incidents often occur during monsoon season, when heavy rains flood the city's streets and expose open manholes. The theft of manhole covers, primarily for their resale value, is a major contributing factor to these tragedies. In 2023, Mumbai recorded a staggering 791 manhole cover thefts. The theft of cast iron covers, which fetch a substantial price in the black market, has become a lucrative target for petty thieves.
The tragic death of Vimal Gaikwad serves as a stark reminder of the city's infrastructure shortcomings and the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent future tragedies. The incident has also highlighted the importance of vigilance and accountability on the part of all stakeholders involved in maintaining the city's infrastructure. While the BMC attempts to shift blame to MMRCL and L&T, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of citizens rests with all those who have a role in managing the city's infrastructure. The city must address the underlying causes of these incidents, including poor maintenance, inadequate safety measures, and the rampant theft of manhole covers, to prevent further loss of lives.
Source: "It Is Concluded...": Mumbai Civic Body's Report After Woman Falls In Manhole