Manhole Death: Probe Finds No Work Order, Lapses Exposed

A recent investigation by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has uncovered serious procedural violations following the death of Aslam Isaq Shaikh, who fell into an open manhole in Saki Naka last Thursday. The preliminary probe found that no formal work order was issued for the installation of protective grills at the site.

This lack of documentation is a direct breach of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act. The work was reportedly carried out without the mandatory presence of civic officials for supervision, further compounding the safety concerns. The inquiry, led by additional municipal commissioner Avinash Dhakane, is examining multiple lapses.

Adding to the breaches, the installation of manhole grills in L ward, which encompasses the incident area, was completed a month past the May 31 deadline mandated by municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide for all pre-monsoon works. Officials attributed the delay to being occupied with other essential tasks like stormwater drain completion and desilting.

The BMC has also questioned the contractor involved, who has not offered a clear explanation for the unauthorized and unsanctioned nature of the work. The timing of the operation during the monsoon season also raises questions, as such road and stormwater drain works are typically halted after May 31 unless an emergency dictates otherwise.

In response to the fatality, the civic administration suspended four officers, including an assistant municipal commissioner. A detailed report with the committee's findings is expected to be submitted to the commissioner next week.