BMC road work: Exposed wires and pipes in Versova’s Model Town raise safety concerns

Wires and pipes are seen above the road surface at Model Town in Versova, Andheri West. Pics/Ashoke Pandit

Residents of Model Town in Versova, Andheri West, have raised concerns about electrical wires and pipes left open on roads amid Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) concreting work, stating that such obstructions, which may not be visible at all times due to waterlogging or other reasons, could prove fatal for residents.

Ashoke Pandit, a filmmaker and social activist, said, "We have been patiently waiting for the concreting work in our area to be completed. Though the work is mostly done, we see pipes and wires laid out in the open instead of being ducted and placed under roads." Roads in the area have two separate ducts for electrical wiring and gas pipelines.

"We have already had multiple issues with electricity while the work was going on. Many, including me, have had to change our electrical appliances, which had short-circuited," added Pandit, expressing concern over the possibility of wires getting damaged in the future due to the rains.

"There is no coordination between the BMC, which laid the road, and the electrical companies. Now that the wires have been left in the open, they will have to dig the roads up again when they decide to lay them correctly. This will create a bigger mess than the existing one," said Pandit.

Due to the wires being left in the open, people are parking their cars haphazardly, creating congestion. "There is no accountability from anyone. It's apathy," added Pandit, who said he had informed the authorities of the situation but received no solution even after sending them daily reminders.