HC Asks BMC To Come Up With Simple, Temporary Mechanism To Deal With Open Manholes

In a significant development aimed at ensuring public safety, the High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to devise a simple and temporary mechanism to address the issue of open manholes in the city. The court’s directive comes in response to growing concerns over the dangers posed by uncovered manholes, which have resulted in numerous accidents and fatalities in recent years.
The court’s decision follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a concerned citizen, highlighting the hazardous conditions created by open manholes in various areas of Mumbai. The PIL underscored the urgent need for the BMC to take immediate action to prevent accidents and protect the lives of residents.Source :- legal news
During the court proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the lack of proper maintenance and timely repairs by the BMC had led to a significant number of open manholes across the city. These uncovered manholes pose a severe threat to pedestrians, especially during monsoon seasons when heavy rains and flooding increase the likelihood of accidents.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the High Court acknowledged the gravity of the issue and expressed its concerns over the BMC’s failure to address the problem effectively. The court emphasized the need for an immediate solution that would not require extensive infrastructure changes or complex procedures.
In response to the court’s directive, the BMC assured the judges that they would form a dedicated team to study the issue and propose a simple, temporary mechanism to tackle open manholes. The proposed solution is expected to involve cost-effective measures such as lightweight covers, barricades, or warning signs that can be quickly deployed to secure open manholes and prevent accidents.
The court set a deadline of four weeks for the BMC to submit its proposal and directed the corporation to prioritize public safety in its approach. The judges also stressed the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that manholes remain covered and secure throughout the year.
The directive by the High Court has been widely welcomed by citizens and activists who have long advocated for urgent action to address the issue of open manholes. They hope that the BMC will take this opportunity to implement effective temporary measures while working on more permanent solutions to prevent such hazards in the future.
In recent times, several accidents and injuries have occurred due to open manholes, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability. With the High Court’s intervention, there is renewed hope that the BMC will prioritize the safety of its citizens and take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by open manholes.
As the BMC works on developing the proposed mechanism, citizens remain cautiously optimistic that this will mark a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of Mumbai’s residents. The implementation of temporary measures, coupled with a comprehensive plan for long-term solutions, will play a crucial role in preventing accidents and securing public spaces from such preventable hazards.
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