Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has ordered an investigation after a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) worker fell into an open drain during an inspection of the flood-affected Gandhi Market area near King Circle.
The incident occurred while the Mayor was reviewing waterlogging and drainage conditions following heavy monsoon rains. The civic worker reportedly slipped into a rainwater-filled open drain just a few feet away from the Mayor, prompting an immediate rescue by officials and others present at the site.
Describing the incident as "very fishy," Mayor Tawde said the circumstances surrounding the accident raised serious concerns. She has directed the BMC administration to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine whether the incident resulted from negligence or if there were other factors involved.
The mishap has sparked fresh questions about safety measures for civic workers and the condition of Mumbai's drainage infrastructure during the monsoon season. The Mayor also stressed the need for strict safety protocols during field inspections and maintenance work in flood-prone areas.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of the city's monsoon preparedness, with several parts of Mumbai experiencing waterlogging after recent heavy rainfall.
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