Bombay HC Raps BMC Over Open Manholes
Bombay HC criticizes BMC, calls compliance affidavits an eyewash. Open manholes persist in Mumbai.

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its failure to address the issue of open manholes in Mumbai. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the BMC's compliance affidavits, terming them an 'eyewash'.
The BMC has been facing scrutiny over the numerous open manholes scattered throughout the city, posing a significant risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. Despite repeated assurances from the civic body, the problem persists, prompting the high court to intervene.
The court's rebuke of the BMC is a clear indication of its frustration with the lack of progress in resolving this critical issue. The BMC's compliance affidavits, which are meant to demonstrate the civic body's adherence to court orders, have been deemed insufficient by the court. This suggests that the BMC's efforts to address the issue have been inadequate, and more needs to be done to ensure the safety of Mumbai's citizens.
The issue of open manholes in Mumbai is a longstanding one, with many residents and commuters having fallen victim to these uncovered hazards. The BMC's inability to effectively tackle this problem has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning the civic body's competence in maintaining the city's infrastructure.
The high court's intervention is a welcome step, as it highlights the need for urgent action to be taken to address this critical issue. The BMC must take immediate steps to cover all open manholes and ensure that the city's infrastructure is safe and well-maintained. This is not only a matter of convenience but also a question of safety, as open manholes can have devastating consequences, including accidents and fatalities.
As the BMC scrambles to respond to the high court's criticism, it remains to be seen what concrete steps the civic body will take to address the issue. The citizens of Mumbai can only hope that the BMC will finally take the necessary measures to ensure their safety and well-being. The high court's ruling serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and effective governance in the city's civic administration.
In the coming days, the BMC is expected to submit a detailed plan of action to the high court, outlining the steps it will take to address the issue of open manholes. This plan will be closely scrutinized by the court, and the BMC will be held accountable for its implementation. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the citizens of Mumbai deserve better, and it is the BMC's responsibility to ensure that the city's infrastructure is safe and well-maintained.