Mumbai: BMC begins action in Malad after complaints over noisy manhole lids

After mid-day highlighted the persistent noise and civic issues troubling residents in Malad, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated concrete action to resolve the long-pending problem. Following the report, Assistant Engineer Vikrant Maniar has directed his junior officers to conduct an immediate survey to identify all manhole lids in the area that are causing excessive noise and inconvenience to residents. The rattling and loose manhole lids have been a major concern for locals, especially during peak traffic hours and at night, when the constant clanging disturbs sleep and poses a safety risk to motorists.Acting on the complaints and the media report, Maniar has instructed officials to list all problematic lids and assess their condition to ensure timely corrective measures. We have also contacted the manufacturer of the lids. He will either replace all the covers that he has provided or will come up with some viable technical solution to permanently address the issue with the existing lids, Maniar told this newspaper. The BMC is also looking at a related infrastructure issue contributing to traffic congestion in the same locality. Maniar has proposed the removal of a structure located at the entrance of two adjoining roads in Malad, which has created a bottleneck for vehicles. The presence of this structure has not only slowed traffic movement but has also made it impossible for authorities to construct a proper footpath, forcing pedestrians to walk on the main road. Civic officials said the proposal is under consideration and, once cleared, will help ease congestion and improve pedestrian safety. Residents have welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that sustained follow-ups will finally bring relief from the long-standing civic nuisance. Its important that the public also help the authorities. We thank mid-day for taking our problem seriously, the impact of which we are already seeing. After reading the article, people from other areas approached us, and now we have formed a group with citizens deciding to take matters into their own hands, coming up with solutions themselves, said Ronnie DSouza, a resident.