Mumbai's Vakola residents raise alarm over incomplete BMC road concreting work

Portion of the newly-concreted road that has been left incomplete. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR

Locals in the Kadamwadi area of Santacruz East's Vakola have raised concerns as road concreting work by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been left incomplete. Due to the incomplete work, one side of the road has lost its footpath and the drains that come with it.

Locals told mid-day that the BMC workers just abandoned the work 4-5 days ago, without finishing work on the footpath. Local resident Ivan Pais says he even contacted the assistant municipal commissioner of the H East ward, who told him that the road will be motorable, but didn't provide any response on the status of the work.

Local Speak

Ivan Pais, local resident
"The work finished a few days ago. The issue is that the old stormwater drain would pass under the shops, and I think the BMC planned to change this. But I don't know if that has been done properly. The problem is that the spot has become dangerous. There is a bar and restaurant in front of the spot, and also people park their vehicles at the spot. Someone could fall down."

Yasir Mohammad, baker in the area
"The BMC staff left with all their tools, so we don't know if they will come back to finish the work. If the rains start sooner than May 31 and this work doesn't get completed, it could be dangerous for everyone."

A local stall owner
"There are a few small huts/settlements in front of the dug-up portion. They are not allowing the BMC to finish the work as they think their structures will be removed."

Official Speak

Sachin Bhujbal, assistant engineer, maintenance, H East ward
"The patch of drain has been affected due to structures adjacent to it. The desilting work of this drain portion of about 20 metres is in progress. Work on the remaining portion and footpath will be carried out through the road department."

A senior BMC official
"An elderly lady who owns the structures has been stopping our workers, claiming that the portion of the road belongs to her. Ward officials and staff are working with the woman to check her property papers. We aim to finish the work by May 30, or we will barricade the area to prevent accidents."