A neglected and hazardous open sewerage chamber in Malad West has sparked immediate action from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after a senior official identified the safety risk during an inspection of road concretisation works. The chamber, part of the sewerage operations department’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, was found left exposed with iron rods protruding and lacked proper barricades, endangering pedestrians and commuters. The additional municipal commissioner (projects), upon witnessing the negligence, ordered immediate barricading and directed that a notice be issued to the concerned engineer responsible for the lapse.
The chamber, located at Dadiseth Marg, has a depth of approximately three metres and was only partially barricaded on one side, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This oversight was discovered during a late-night inspection, highlighting significant gaps in safety protocols in Mumbai’s ongoing civic projects. The swift intervention underscores the growing concerns over unmonitored construction activities, which continue to pose severe risks to residents. Road safety experts have long criticised haphazard civic works that leave open pits, unsecured chambers, and exposed rebar, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The incident has reignited discussions on the accountability of civic engineers and contractors responsible for ensuring the safety of public infrastructure projects. With monsoon season approaching, the urgency of addressing such safety lapses becomes even more critical. Experts warn that open and poorly secured chambers not only pose immediate physical dangers but also contribute to chronic urban flooding when drainage systems are obstructed. The BMC’s move to enforce strict action is being seen as an attempt to instill greater responsibility among engineers overseeing essential urban infrastructure projects. However, past experiences suggest that punitive measures alone may not be enough, and a comprehensive approach—incorporating stricter compliance monitoring and third-party audits—may be necessary to ensure long-term safety improvements.
This latest instance of negligence adds to the mounting concerns over the quality and oversight of Mumbai’s civic projects. The city has witnessed multiple instances of unfinished or poorly maintained infrastructure leading to fatal accidents, with a lack of accountability often hindering necessary reforms. The BMC’s directive to issue a notice to the responsible engineer is a step towards rectifying this systemic issue, but sustained efforts in ensuring adherence to safety norms and proactive supervision will be key to preventing such lapses in the future.
