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Holey hell: Manholes 10-feet-deep remain uncovered at Matunga

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Watch your steps when you are in Matunga, for you might just fall into one of the open manholes there. At least that's what residents claim, who, for the last six months, have been complaining to the BMC about open manholes in the area, but in vain.

Why have the manholes remained open?
An increasing number of thefts of manhole covers have given rise to the problem. Residents claim that there is a delay on the civic body's part in replacing the covers, nor has the police been able to stop the thefts.
Civic activist Nikhil Desai of the F-North ward citizens forum filed an RTI a few months ago. It revealed that there are close to 20 manholes in the Matunga and King's Circle areas which do not have covers.

Large budget, but no stock of manhole covers
"I have requested the authorities of the F-North ward to cover the open manholes as soon as possible, but my efforts have borne no fruit," Desai said, adding, "I was surprised when I found that despite the civic body having such a huge annual budget, the ward doesn't have a stock of manhole covers! The number of open manholes has also also increased, with a couple of additions such as one in front of my house and one right in front of DPY school."

No proper action taken
Speaking about his effort in finding out what initiative the ward had taken, Desai added, "I found that they had just written two letters to the central agency, which is responsible for providing the manhole covers to the ward. The matter has not been pursued actively."

What civic authorities have to say
Refuting the allegation, Alka Sasane, assistant municipal commissioner, F-North ward, said, "We replace missing manholes immediately after it is brought to our notice. Any person can call up the ward or me and we will get open manholes covered immediately. Writing to the central agency for extra covers is a separate, internal matter."

Quick fix, at what cost?
Residents further informed that the open manholes are about 10 feet deep, which can be dangerous for them and other pedestrians, especially students and the senior citizens.
Sanjay Kothari, a resident said, "We have to be extremely careful while walking on the roads in my area. There are high chances that one might just slip and fall into these manholes or even inside the ones which are partially-open. Even temporary covers are placed in such a way, that they will be useless if someone steps on them."

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