Mumbai Mayor Warns of Suspensions After Worker Falls Into Open Manhole During Rain Inspection
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde was inspecting waterlogged areas on Wednesday morning when a sanitation worker fell into an open manhole. The worker, employed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was identified as being part of the cleaning crew.
The southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, nearly two weeks later than usual, bringing heavy rainfall across the city. Overnight rain caused waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a wall collapse in Vikhroli West.
During her inspection of Dadar, Hindmata, and Gandhi Market, the mayor witnessed the incident. She reprimanded officials and warned that any ward official found with an open manhole would face suspension.
Speaking to reporters, Tawde said the manhole cover had been removed to clear waste. She urged citizens to follow BMC warning signs and barricades placed around open manholes.
The BMC has deployed pumps to remove excess water from roads and is clearing clogged drains, Tawde added.
The incident sparked political criticism. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of neglecting urban infrastructure, claiming they had drained BMC funds and failed to maintain flood prevention systems installed by the previous government. He cited the Hindmata and Milan Subway pumping stations as examples.
Tawde responded by saying that work requires being on the ground, not sitting at home. She accused Thackeray of mismanaging COVID-19 from home and urged the opposition to participate in field work.
Between 8:30 pm Tuesday and 8:30 am Wednesday, three weather stations—Ram Mandir, Colaba, and Santacruz—recorded extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.5 mm). Colaba received 247.8 mm, Ram Mandir 238 mm, and Santacruz 224.8 mm. Other areas like Sion, Vikhroli, and Bandra reported very heavy rainfall.
A wall collapsed near the Sun City Complex in Vikhroli West due to the rain, and a tree fell on a car, injuring the driver. Rescue operations are underway.
