Mumbai residents raise alarm over potholes, garbage, dark roads and civic neglect

17 August,2026 08:02 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Team mid-day

Mumbaikars have raised concerns over dark roads, garbage, potholes, waterlogging, unsafe government premises and alleged encroachment across the city. Civic authorities have responded to some complaints, promising inspections and repairs, while other issues remain pending

Pic/istock


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Problems

Dark roads

Even though the road from Aarey Check Naka to Royal Palms Gate in Goregaon East falls under the BMC, there are no streetlights installed here, which is very dangerous at night. As a resident of Royal Palms, earlier the road ownership was not clear, and hence we did not have access to streetlights. But now, post the court ruling, the BMC has taken ownership, so it should restore the old street lights or install new ones.
Aditya Bahulekar

Garbage problem


Pic/Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

The roadside in Yari Road, Andheri West, is in an extremely unhygienic condition, with accumulated garbage, sludge, and stagnant wastewater creating a serious health and safety hazard for pedestrians and nearby residents. The civic authorities must immediately clear the waste, clean and disinfect the area, inspect and repair the drainage system, and ensure regular sweeping and garbage collection.
Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

Office hazard

The condition of the government's Regional Transport Office premises near Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri West, is deeply alarming and poses a serious threat to public safety. Observations reveal exposed electrical wiring and open switchboards, damaged ceiling fixtures, waterlogging with unhygienic surroundings, dirty staircases, and poor maintenance throughout the building. These hazardous conditions expose citizens, staff, and visitors to the risk of electric shock, fire, accidents, and health hazards. The authorities concerned must immediately repair all electrical installations. Public safety cannot be compromised due to administrative apathy.
Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

Pothole peril


PIC/Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

The deplorable condition of Yari Road, with multiple potholes and waterlogged stretches, exposes the careless attitude of the civic authorities towards public safety. The damaged road poses a serious risk to pedestrians, schoolchildren, motorists and senior citizens, particularly during the monsoon. Despite repeated concerns, timely and durable repairs appear to be lacking. The civic authorities must immediately inspect the entire stretch, scientifically repair the potholes, improve drainage and ensure proper road resurfacing.
Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

Marine Drive at night

I am writing to seek clarification regarding the practice of asking the general public to vacate the Marine Drive Promenade after midnight. Marine Drive Promenade is a public space, and it is commonly used by citizens for walking, sitting, and spending time with family and friends. Recently, I have seen people being asked by Mumbai Police personnel to vacate the promenade after midnight, with individuals reportedly not being permitted to remain seated there. In this regard, I would be grateful if Mumbai Police could clarify whether there is any Government Resolution (GR), notification, order, circular, written rule, or official advisory prescribing a restriction on public access or sitting at the Marine Drive Promenade after 12 midnight.
Faiz Siddiqui

Beautification blunder


Pic/Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

The placement of plant pots near Yari Road Bus Depot appears to be the beginning of a gradual encroachment under the guise of beautification. First, it was encroached upon by fish vendors, and still, half of this road has been blocked by them. If left unchecked, this could reduce public space, obstruct pedestrian movement, and create future traffic and safety concerns. The BMC must intervene.
Iqbal Gilani Mansuri

Responses

After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven't given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city.

No speedbreaker!

Reader: Rakesh Rathour
BMC responds: This is about having a speedbreaker on Paperbox Road in Andheri. A BMC ward official said that they will examine the issue and take up the matter with the local traffic division. Following the feedback, they will assess the requirement of the speed breaker and have it in place.

Blocked footpath

Reader: Rahul Bhivandkar
BMC responds: A civic ward official in-charge of the issue told mid-day, "I will check on this issue immediately, and it will be resolved. Thank you for bringing this to our notice. The footpath outside Utpal Pak in Mahim should be meant for pedestrians. It cannot be blocked with parking."

Late trains

Reader: Ashok Nair
WR responds: WR officials said that door-closing during rush hour is an issue that affects punctuality. "All efforts are being taken to ensure that trains run on time. There are multiple initiatives in place, including signalling upgradation, infrastructure augmentation so that we could also run more number of trains on the suburban section."

BEST bus service needed

Reader: Cajetan Peter D'Souza
BEST responds: BEST officials responding to the query welcomed the suggestion and said that they had noted the route. "At present, due to the limitations of fleet size, a number of BEST bus routes had been rationalised. The suggested bus route falls under the purview of Ghatkopar depot and once the depot gets adequate number of buses, this route shall definitely be considered."

Damaged road

Reader: Iqbal Gilani Mansuri
BMC responds: An official from the roads department said, "We will intimate the issue to officials concerned and we will start the process to repair this stretch in Versova."

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