November 27, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated corrective action in Malad after repeated complaints from residents and a recent media report highlighted the ongoing issue of noisy, unstable manhole lids. Acting promptly, Assistant Engineer Vikrant Maniar instructed junior officers to carry out an immediate survey to pinpoint all manhole covers in the area that are generating excessive noise and causing discomfort to commuters and residents.
For years, locals have raised concerns about rattling and loose manhole lids, particularly during peak traffic hours and late at night, when the persistent clanging disrupts sleep and creates safety risks for motorists. Following the complaints and mid-day’s coverage, Maniar directed officials to inspect all problematic lids, document their condition, and ensure timely repairs.
“We have also contacted the manufacturer of the lids. He will either replace all the covers that he has provided or will come up with some viable technical solution to permanently address the issue with the existing lids,” Maniar said.
Alongside this, the BMC is examining a related issue that has worsened congestion in the locality. Maniar has proposed removing a structure located at the entry point of two adjoining roads in Malad, which currently creates a traffic bottleneck. This obstruction has slowed down vehicle movement and prevented the construction of a proper footpath, forcing pedestrians into the main road. Civic officials noted that the proposal is under review, and once approved, it will ease traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety.
Residents have welcomed the renewed action, hoping that consistent follow-ups will finally bring relief from the long-standing civic problem. “It’s important that the public also help the authorities. We thank mid-day for taking our problem seriously, the impact of which we are already seeing. After reading the article, people from other areas approached us, and now we have formed a group with citizens deciding to take matters into their own hands, coming up with solutions themselves,” said Ronnie D’Souza, a resident.
Source: Mid-day
