Barely 29 days after a girder of the under-construction Kopri bridge collapsed on a local train claiming four lives, a major tragedy was averted on Saturday when a large slab of the Kopri skywalk, also under construction, caved in. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident that occurred at about seven in the morning.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), one of the developing authorities, however, was quick to state that the slab was deliberately brought down. “The slab was intentionally brought down as the cement on it had become stiff, thus making it difficult for work to be carried out. Adequate precaution was taken to ensure that no injury was caused to anyone,” Anand Kumar Bahal, additional chief engineer, MMRDA, said. Nandkumar Jantre, commissioner, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), on his part said, “We will investigate the matter and request MMRDA to take action against those responsible for it.”
It may be recalled that the Kopri skywalk, the first in Thane to connect the place, from east to west, was planned by TMC and MMRDA. The work on the 1.5-km skywalk, which is estimated to cost Rs20 crore, began in January. But locals protested stating that there was no need for it, thus bringing the work to a halt in February. Subsequent meetings with TMC and MMRDA led to changes in the skywalk’s design and work resumed in April.
Although no injuries have been reported in Saturday’s incident, locals are miffed with both TMC and MMRDA for using material of inferior quality. Pravin Raut, a resident of Kopri, said, “Since the construction began, sub-standard material has been used. During the time the work was stopped for some months, the iron rods became rusty. When work resumed, the same material was used, again.” Sandeep Lele, former corporator, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who had formed a group ‘Skywalk Virodhi Kruti Samiti’ to oppose the skywalk, said, “From its need, location and design, everything involved with the project has been a resounding flop.” Lele, along with other members of his group, has demanded that the police take action against MMRDA officials, TMC and the contractor. Members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also mobbed TMC commissioner Jantre, demanding action against the guilty. “We will not allow work to continue until an inquiry is conducted,” Rajan Gavand, secretary, MNS, Thane district, said.
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