Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 15: Residents of Bageshri Co-operative Housing Society Ltd in Santacruz have been facing severe inconvenience for more than a week due to an unfinished civic project that has left the footpath outside their building dug up and barricaded. Despite prior intimation from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) about underground repair work, locals allege that there has been little to no progress at the site, turning the area into a pedestrian hazard and restricting access to their homes.

“The BMC had sent us a letter on October 6 stating that development work related to stormwater drains would commence that day and that every effort would be made to ensure minimal inconvenience. It’s been almost 10 days now, and no visible work has been done,” said Sanjay Patkar, a resident of the society.

When asked about the delay, a contract worker at the site claimed that material shortages were to blame. “Due to ongoing works at Ghodbunder Road in Thane, our trucks have been halted there. We expect to receive materials tomorrow, after which work will resume,” the worker said.

Residents, however, say the delay has created several problems. “The entire stretch outside our gate is dug up and barricaded, but there’s no progress. We were cooperative initially, thinking it was important civic work. But if it’s not moving ahead, why leave it open?” said Rupa Badkar, another resident.

She added that the situation has made their daily commute extremely difficult. “Autos can’t stop near our gate, and traffic gets jammed during peak hours. The opposite footpath is occupied by parked bikes during the day and by drug addicts at night. There’s simply no place for us to walk,” she lamented.

The residents also complained that drainage water seeps into their building whenever the dug-up stormwater channel gets clogged. “Water from nearby cattle sheds and shops flows into the drain. When it gets blocked, the dirty water seeps into our premises. It’s causing foul smells, mosquito breeding, and we’ve had to move our vehicles,” said 75-year-old Geetaben Makwana.

Concerns have also been raised about the safety of the building structure. According to residents, cracks have developed in the compound wall due to the excavation work. “Our building is located in the funnel zone of the airport, and vibrations from aircraft are already strong. The digging has weakened the wall further. After several requests, workers placed bamboo supports only today. What if the wall collapses?” asked Patkar.

Residents also expressed doubts about the BMC’s assurance that a proper footpath would be constructed once the work is completed. “We’ve seen footpaths disappear after road concreting before. We just hope it’s not another false promise,” said one resident.

Responding to the complaints, Dinesh Pallewad, an officer from BMC’s H-West Ward, said, “We are aware of the inconvenience and will ensure that the work is completed at the earliest. Residents’ safety and accessibility remain our top priority.”