Negligence by BMC Contractor in Mulund; Sewerage Line Damaged During Footpath Work

Stench Prevails for 15 Days; Residents Fuming Over ‘Priiva’ Building Drainage Leak and Administrative Apathy

MULUND (Representative):

In a glaring example of negligence during pre-monsoon desilting and footpath maintenance, a Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) contractor has damaged a primary sewerage line. The incident occurred on Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, Mulund (West), right in front of the newly constructed 'Priiva' building. Despite the sewage overflowing onto the busy stretch for the past 15 days, the concerned civic department has allegedly turned a blind eye, leaving local residents and commuters in a state of distress.

The Sequence of Events

According to field reports, the BMC contractor’s laborers were executing maintenance work on the footpath. During the excavation, the main sewerage line was accidentally punctured. Protocol dictates that the contractor must immediately report such damage to the Ward Office (T-Ward); however, it appears the matter was suppressed. For two weeks, the leakage remained a slow simmer, but today it escalated into a full-scale overflow, turning the street into an open sewer and spreading an unbearable stench across the neighborhood.

Technical Lapses and Developer’s Role Under Scrutiny

The incident raises several critical questions regarding civic engineering and oversight:

1.      Pipeline Alignment: Was the sewerage line for the 'Priiva' building laid beneath the footpath in compliance with technical safety standards?

2.    Developer’s Accountability: If the developer laid this line, why was it not placed at the mandatory depth to prevent damage during routine roadwork?

3.    Contractor’s Oversight: Why did the BMC contractor proceed with excavation without verifying the underground utility maps?

Public Health at Risk; Administrative Silence

The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, sparking fears of a Dengue and Malaria outbreak. "Walking on this stretch has become an ordeal. This is not just a leak; it is a testament to administrative failure and a total lack of accountability," stated a regular commuter. The residents of 'Priiva' and neighboring buildings are the worst hit, with the foul odor making it difficult to even breathe within their homes.

Demand for Strict Action

"The authorities must stop passing the buck. The BMC must not only repair the line on a war footing but also initiate strict penal action against the contractor and the supervising officials who allowed this to persist for 15 days," demanded a local community activist.

All eyes are now on the T-Ward administration to see whether they will shield the erring contractor or provide immediate relief to the taxpayers of Mulund.