DOMBIVLI, MAHARASHTRA – A 60-year-old man tragically lost his life after falling into an open manhole on the busy Kalyan-Shil road in Dombivli East on Sunday evening. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who are holding the MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) responsible for gross negligence.
The victim, identified as Babu Dharma Chavan, was reportedly walking along the road when he slipped and fell into the uncovered manhole. Passersby rushed to his aid and pulled him out, but he had sustained critical injuries and was declared dead after being taken to a nearby hospital.
Furious residents gathered at the site, claiming that the manhole cover had been missing for several days and that multiple complaints to the MIDC had gone unanswered. “This was not an accident; it was a death waiting to happen,” said a local BJP leader. “We demand that a case of culpable homicide be filed against the responsible officials.”
In its initial response, an MIDC official suggested the heavy metal cover might have been stolen. However, residents have dismissed this, stating that the authority’s lack of timely action is the real cause. The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained civic infrastructure, especially during the monsoon season.
Community Safety: How to Report an Open Manhole
If you see an open or damaged manhole in your area, do not ignore it. You can report it to the Ambernath Municipal Council (AMC) or your local civic body. Taking a moment to report such a hazard could save a life.
