Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 2: Residents across Mumbai have voiced concern over broken and missing drain covers, warning that damaged footpaths have become a serious safety hazard, particularly during the monsoon.

Citizens said several drain covers across the city have either cracked or gone missing over time, making it risky for pedestrians. According to residents, the covers are often damaged by vehicles being driven or parked on footpaths or while being reinstalled after pre-monsoon desilting work.

Despite repeated complaints, many residents claim the problem remains unresolved in several areas.

In Santacruz East, resident Ivan Pais said locals regularly report damaged drain covers to civic authorities and acknowledged that officials in the H East ward had responded promptly to complaints.

He stressed that while identifying damaged infrastructure is primarily the responsibility of the civic body, residents also have a role in reporting hazards. Pais suggested installing metal drain covers in high-traffic areas, saying they are more durable than conventional ones.

In Andheri West, Dhaval Shah of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association said poor-quality drain covers and improper handling during pre-monsoon cleaning were contributing to the problem.

He claimed around a dozen drain covers in the Lokhandwala area were currently cracked or damaged, adding that residents regularly inform civic authorities and monitor those that pose a safety risk.

Shah also blamed illegal parking on footpaths for damaging the covers, citing areas near Citi Mall on Linking Road where vehicles continue to park despite police warnings.

Residents in Goregaon West also highlighted similar concerns. A woman living near SV Road, close to the skywalk outside Hotel Ratna, said one drain cover appears stable but sinks under a person's weight, raising fears that it could collapse.

She said she had informed civic workers about the issue several months ago but claimed no action had been taken.

Residents have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to replace damaged drain covers and improve their quality to prevent accidents, especially during the ongoing monsoon season.