In a strong display of collective action, employees at Swastik Chambers in Chembur temporarily halted ongoing Mumbai Metro construction work to demand a solution to persistent waterlogging that had been affecting their workplace for months. The issue, which residents say had gone unresolved for nearly nine months despite repeated complaints, had created unhygienic conditions due to stagnant and contaminated water.
Frustrated by the lack of sustained action, staff members intervened on Wednesday, stopping work at the site and pressing authorities to take immediate corrective steps. Their protest prompted the project team to respond and implement measures to improve maintenance and drainage conditions in the area.
Explaining the situation, a Project Supervisor from MMRDA said, “Water gets accumulated due to the ongoing piling work at multiple spots. This blocked the sewage system, and thus we started pumping out the water once all work was done. But after their complaints, we now pump the water two to three times a day.”
Employees described the prolonged inconvenience and health risks caused by the issue. Jaya Goyal said, “The waterlogging caused by the accumulation of dirty drain water, had become a daily ordeal for us. Although construction workers had begun pumping out the water following mid-day’s report in June last year, their efforts proved insufficient. The water was typically cleared only in the evening after construction work concluded, leaving the premises flooded and unsanitary through the day.”
Ajit Mehta added, “Not only did they start pumping water regularly, but they also cleared all the algae that had accumulated due to previous waterlogging, which had become a haven for mosquito breeding, resulting in many of our employees falling sick.”
Highlighting the improvement, Quaid Doongerwala said, “This increased frequency has significantly improved conditions at Swastik Chambers, preventing water stagnation and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.”
The incident underscores how coordinated citizen action can push authorities to address civic issues more effectively.
Source: Mid-day
