Woman dies after falling into stormwater drain

“The work of replacement of stormwater drains had been going on for six months,though the contractor had to finish the work in a month,” said Vanu. “An inquiry will be started and strict action be taken against those responsible for the incident. We will also investigate the reasons for the delay in work. There is a strict mandate to BMC officials and supervisors to undertake proper safety measures at public work sites,” Additional Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta said.

The construction work had started a fortnight ago but the contractor appointed by the BMC did not adhere to basic safety measures,the police said. “There were no barricades near the pit and the woman seems to have fallen in it as it was dark,” said Police Inspector Ramdas Borse from Wadala police.

The police have written a letter to BMC asking them to furnish the details of the contractor.

“We are looking for the contractor who was appointed to carry out the work. We will register a case under section 304 A (causing death due to negligence) against the contractor,” said Borse.

Corporators demanded a compensation policy for victims of such incidents. “The victims who die after falling into stormwater drains should be compensated,” said Vanu. The replacement work of stormwater drains has killed a number of labourers over the past few months. Standing Committee Chairman Rahul Shewale had earlier said that a compensation of Rs 1 lakh should be given to the family of the victims from the BMC welfare fund.