BMC promises to install nets over manholes

After the Bombay High Court told the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to put up warning signs near manholes, BMC claims it has already installed around 850 iron meshes over manholes in floodprone areas.

The civic officials also said it will put up warning signs soon. "We have already covered most important 849 manholes in flood-prone spots of the city. We will also put up red flags or a warning post to indicate a pothole nearby. The goal is to remove potholes altogether," said a civic official from stormwater drains department.

Ironically, it had claimed before monsoon that more than 1,450 nets will be placed. The BMC had planned to install around these safety nets or metal mesh over manholes at crucial locations. The cost of which was estimated at Rs 1.38 crore. The civic body was to fix them by before June.

Incidentally, there are no less than one lakh manholes in the city and suburbs, which are virtual death traps if they are left open.

"There are many manholes which doesn't come in people's way. We are covering those which can be fatal for pedestrians or the ones that may act as a potential cause for death," said the official.

The high court told the BMC to ensure warning signs were put up near manholes opened for any work. The HC directed the civic body after a PIL was filed by the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association after the death of Dr. Deepak Amrapurkar, a gastroenterologist who died falling into an open manhole in August last year. Reports, however, later revealed the manhole may have kept open by the locals for the water to recede.