With just a fortnight remaining until the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) self-imposed deadline of 31 May to conclude all ongoing roadworks, the initiation of fresh concretisation in Dongri has sparked public outrage. The road, located near Noor Baug in a densely populated area with narrow lanes, has been dug up for cement work, despite civic directives against launching new projects during this crucial pre-monsoon period.
Residents and urban planners have criticised the timing and necessity of the project, particularly as the road leads to a dead end and poses increased risks of flooding and accidents once the rains arrive. The move appears to contradict the BMC’s stated policy of focusing solely on completing existing works before the monsoon.
The city’s massive infrastructure upgrade—converting 2,121 roads into cement concrete stretches—is far from complete. As of 5 May, only 353 roads had been finished, leaving over 1,700 in progress. A senior BMC official previously warned that incomplete works could lead to severe monsoon hazards, and stressed that ensuring roads are usable junction to junction should be the top priority.
Compounding the issue is a shortage of qualified personnel; some junior engineers reportedly oversee up to 19 road projects each, undermining effective monitoring. Additionally, the lack of enforcement has allowed some contractors to flout official deadlines without consequence.
Urban planners argue that civic timelines must be guided by climate data and citizen feedback, not convenience. In the face of intensifying monsoons, poor scheduling not only erodes public trust but threatens sustainability and safety. The Dongri case highlights a systemic lapse in coordination and enforcement, signalling an urgent need for stronger governance, decentralised decision-making, and weather-adaptive planning.
The BMC now faces mounting pressure to meet its deadline—and regain public confidence.
Source: Urban Acres.
