Caught on camera: BMC worker falls into manhole in front of Mumbai Mayor
A routine inspection of rain-hit areas in Maharashtra took an ironic turn on Wednesday when a BMC worker fell into an open drain moments after
A routine inspection of rain-hit areas in Maharashtra took an ironic turn on Wednesday when a BMC worker fell into an open drain moments after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde spoke about the city's monsoon preparedness and ongoing drainage work. The incident occurred in Mumbai's Matunga area during the Mayor's visit to review waterlogging and drainage conditions following heavy rainfall that disrupted daily life across the city. Read Full Story The dramatic moment, captured on camera, unfolded as the Mayor and civic officials were assessing the situation on the ground. A BMC employee working near the drain suddenly lost balance and fell into the open channel, triggering a brief panic among those present. Police personnel and civic officials rushed to the spot and launched an immediate rescue operation.
The worker was safely pulled out. PRAISE FOR MONSOON READINESS, THEN AN UNEXPECTED TWIST Just before the incident, Mayor Ritu Tawde had said the city administration was fully prepared for the monsoon and that civic infrastructure was functioning as intended. Speaking from Gandhi Market, she said pumps were operational, roads were clean and officials were monitoring the situation on the ground. The Mayor also said the BMC had completed its preparations and that residents would not face inconvenience during the monsoon season. She added that drain-cleaning work was nearly complete and took a swipe at the opposition, saying those criticising the administration were "sitting at home today". The remarks came even as parts of Mumbai continued to grapple with waterlogging following intense overnight rainfall.
MUMBAI HIT BY HEAVY RAIN The incident came a day after the monsoon arrived in Mumbai, 13 days later than its normal onset date of June 10. Heavy overnight rain left several low-lying areas inundated, disrupted suburban train services and caused traffic congestion across parts of the city. According to civic data, the island city recorded an average rainfall of 195 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8 am, while the western suburbs received 208 mm and the eastern suburbs 167 mm. Waterlogging was reported from areas including Andheri subway, Hindmata and King's Circle, affecting vehicular movement during the morning rush hour. Suburban rail services were also affected, with commuters reporting delays and overcrowding. On Central Railway's Trans-Harbour line, services between Thane and Vashi/Panvel were disrupted after a track cave-in caused by excess water flow between Turbhe and Koparkhairane stations.
The BriefWire