Video: BMC worker falls into manhole in front of Mumbai Mayor

A routine inspection of waterlogging and drainage amid Mumbai's relentless rains took a dramatic turn when a civic worker suddenly disappeared into an open drain in full view of officials and police personnel.

In Short

• BMC worker falls into open drain during Mumbai civic inspection
• The employee loses balance while carrying out work near an open channel
• Incident occurs as Mayor, officials assess waterlogged areas

A routine inspection of rain-hit areas in Mumbai took an ironic turn on Wednesday when a BMC worker fell into an open drain moments after Mayor Ritu Tawde spoke about the city's monsoon preparedness and ongoing drainage work.

The incident occurred in Mumbai's Matunga area during the Mayor's visit to review waterlogging and drainage conditions following heavy rainfall that disrupted daily life across the city.

The dramatic moment, captured on camera, unfolded as the Mayor and civic officials were assessing the situation on the ground. A BMC employee working near the drain suddenly lost balance and fell into the open channel, triggering a brief panic among those present.

Police personnel and civic officials rushed to the spot and launched an immediate rescue operation. The worker was safely pulled out.

Just before the incident, Mayor Ritu Tawde had said the city administration was fully prepared for the monsoon and that civic infrastructure was functioning as intended.

Speaking from Gandhi Market, she said pumps were operational, roads were clean and officials were monitoring the situation on the ground.

The Mayor also said the BMC had completed its preparations and that residents would not face inconvenience during the monsoon season. She added that drain-cleaning work was nearly complete and took a swipe at the opposition, saying those criticising the administration were "sitting at home today".

The remarks came even as parts of Mumbai continued to grapple with waterlogging following intense overnight rainfall.

MUMBAI HIT BY HEAVY RAIN

The incident came a day after the monsoon arrived in Mumbai, 13 days later than its normal onset date of June 10.

Heavy overnight rain left several low-lying areas inundated, disrupted suburban train services and caused traffic congestion across parts of the city.

According to civic data, the island city recorded an average rainfall of 195 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8 am, while the western suburbs received 208 mm and the eastern suburbs 167 mm.

Waterlogging was reported from areas including Andheri subway, Hindmata and King's Circle, affecting vehicular movement during the morning rush hour.

Suburban rail services were also affected, with commuters reporting delays and overcrowding. On Central Railway's Trans-Harbour line, services between Thane and Vashi/Panvel were disrupted after a track cave-in caused by excess water flow between Turbhe and Koparkhairane stations.

CALLS FOR BETTER DRAIN CLEANING

Even before the Mayor's inspection, ruling Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande had urged the civic administration to intensify drain-cleaning efforts and remove dry waste to prevent waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

"It is not about politics but solving people's problems," Kayande told reporters.

She said some drains had not been cleaned adequately and urged the Mayor to work harder on cleaning nullahs so that water accumulation does not affect vehicular movement across the city.

With more rain forecast over the next 24 hours, civic and disaster management teams remain on alert across Mumbai.

- Ends