The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai is set to resume its pilot project for smart manhole covers as part of a new strategy to address the growing issue of manhole cover thefts. The initiative aims to curb the rise in accidents and thefts that have plagued Mumbai’s roads, especially during the rainy season when water-filled streets obscure the hazards of open manholes. During Mumbai’s rainy season, road accidents surge as water-filled streets obscure manholes, leaving many manhole covers exposed. The problem is exacerbated by thieves who steal these iron covers for profit, rather than any fault of the system itself.
Reports reveal that BMC’s earlier attempt to deploy smart manhole covers a year ago was stalled due to technical difficulties. However, the project is now poised for revival, with plans to install smart sensors on manhole covers in Sandhurst Road (B Ward) and Grant Road (D Ward). These sensors will alert authorities to any theft attempts, aiming to reduce the frequency of such incidents.
The rise in manhole cover thefts has been notable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 alone, Mumbai recorded 791 cases of manhole theft, an increase from 836 cases in 2022. This marks a significant surge from previous years: 564 cases in 2021, 458 in 2020, and 386 in 2019. On average, more than two manhole covers are reported stolen per day.
A senior BMC official attributed these thefts primarily to petty criminals and miscreants seeking quick financial gain. The iron covers, valued between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200 each, are stolen and sold in scrap markets. The BMC’s new measures aim to deter theft and enhance road safety, ensuring manhole covers remain in place and visible to prevent accidents.
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