Over 220 manhole covers stolen till June 2024; Borivali sees highest missing covers, reveals BMC report

The recent death of a 45-year-old woman from falling into a stormwater drain in Andheri East had raised a concern among citizens. In response to this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) formed a three-member committee to carry out an investigation.

This incident has refocused attention on the issue of stolen manhole covers in Mumbai. According to BMC data, 220 manhole covers were stolen in the first six months of the year. The most thefts were reported in June, with 61 incidents. In May, there were 46 thefts.

Some wards are more affected than others. In the D-ward (Malabar Hill), 16 covers were stolen. In K/West (Andheri West) and K/East (Andheri East), 13 covers were stolen in each. Meanwhile, Borivali's R/Central ward also saw most covers missing with 32.

Sanitation workers usually discover the missing covers while cleaning the roads in the morning. The workers then report the incidents. To prevent accidents, temporary barriers are placed around open manholes. As per reports, the covers are stolen for their high resale value in the scrap market. 

In response to the thefts, the BMC launched a smart manhole project last year. The goal was to install sensors in the covers that would sound an alert when shifted. However, the project failed because no contractor could handle the large-scale and complex nature of the project. 

Authorities were reportedly considering securing the covers with chains also, but this would be dangerous for vehicles. Earlier, the Bombay High Court (HC) also intervened and directed the BMC to install safety grills over manholes in flood-prone areas. By 2023, the civic body had installed grills over 1,900 manholes. 

However, the HC criticised the slow progress since only 2.5% of Mumbai’s 74,000 manholes were covered by grills. The HC had ordered that all manholes be secured before the monsoon season of 2024. After this, BMC has claimed that it has now covered 99% of manholes with grills.

The woman, Vimala Anil Gaikwad, slipped into the open drain on September 26. Her body was found 50 feet away in another part of the drain. The committee, led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar and including the chief engineer for vigilance and the chief fire officer, might submit their findings tomorrow.