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A municipal official stands guard after heavy rainfall in Mumbai, warning pedestrians to be aware of manholes on water-logged streets. (AP Photo)
Mumbai recorded 791 manhole theft cases in 2023, an increase from 836 cases in 2022.
Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will revive its smart manhole cover pilot project as part of a new strategy to tackle the growing problem of manhole cover theft. The initiative aims to curb the rise in accidents and thefts that plague Mumbai's roads, especially during the monsoon when water accumulates on the streets, masking the dangers of open manholes. During the monsoon in Mumbai, traffic accidents surge as waterlogged streets obscure manhole covers, leaving many manhole covers exposed. The problem is exacerbated by thieves stealing these iron covers for profit, rather than any fault in the system itself.
Reports suggest that BMC's early attempts to deploy smart manhole covers a year ago stalled due to technical difficulties. However, the project is now ready to restart, with plans to install smart sensors on manhole covers in Sandhurst Road (Area B) and Grant Road (Area D). The sensors will alert authorities of any attempted theft, aiming to reduce the frequency of such incidents.
An increase in manhole cover thefts has been noticeable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 alone, Mumbai recorded 791 manhole theft cases, an increase from 836 cases in 2022. More than two manhole thefts were reported every day.
A senior BMC official attributed these thefts mainly to petty criminals and miscreants seeking quick financial gain. Iron covers worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 each were stolen and sold in scrap markets. The BMC's new measures aimed at preventing theft and enhancing road safety will ensure that manhole covers remain in place and visible to prevent accidents.
