Lend ear to Parel locals affected by Elphinstone bridge razing

The century-old Elphinstone Road bridge, which is being demolished to make way for a two-deck connector, in Parel. File pic/Ashish Raje

Parel residents have sharply criticised authorities and technical experts for failing to deliver on key assurances regarding the ongoing demolition of Elphinstone bridge. Locals expressed deep frustration after both the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the VJTI confirmed that the vibration level report, expected to be submitted on Monday, had not been delivered. Residents slammed all officials as liars, stating that they felt abandoned and unheard, as heavy machinery continued to operate dangerously close to their ageing buildings.

Cracks have reportedly widened, walls have begun to shake each time heavy machinery is activated, and shop owners say their businesses are suffering due to the unsafe environment.

Residents have been urged to exercise patience, but quite rightly, many state that this is a luxury they can ill afford, as their lives are at stake.

Work cannot and should not continue till the report is given to residents. They are the ones most affected by the bridge work. Simply disregarding them or refusing to communicate shows a callous attitude.

If the work has been green-lighted, one assumes safety has been considered and assessed. If that is true, then there should be no problem showing locals who live and have workplaces in the vicinity that they are safe.

If wider cracks have appeared and walls are shaking, then it is time to reassess and release results extremely quickly. One can comprehend the intense stress these persons are living in or conducting their business in. If they get some reassurance, beginning with communication, they can at least breathe in some relative peace. Authorities are endangering those who live there with their silence. While reports cannot be rushed, dialogue with locals, information and updates are necessary, too.