Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde Reprimands Officials After Worker Falls Into Open Manhole (Watch Video)

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Wednesday, June 24, warned municipal officials of strict action after witnessing a sanitation worker fall into an open manhole during a rain-related inspection in the city. The incident occurred while the Mayor was assessing waterlogging and civic conditions in several flood-prone areas following heavy monsoon rainfall.

The southwest monsoon reached Mumbai on Tuesday, June 23, nearly two weeks later than its normal onset date, bringing widespread showers across the city. Overnight rainfall led to waterlogging, traffic disruptions and infrastructure-related incidents, prompting civic authorities to intensify monitoring efforts. Which Areas Received the Most Rain in Mumbai Till June 24 Morning?

Worker Falls Into Manhole In Front Of Mumbai Mayor

#WATCH : Mumbai Civic Body Employee Falls Into Manhole in Front of Mayor Ritu Tawde, Officials Pulled Up

Mumbai: An embarrassing safety lapse came to light when a civic body employee reportedly fell into an open manhole during an inspection in the presence of Mumbai Mayor Ritu… pic.twitter.com/TSwLvpGq58

— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 24, 2026

Man Falls Into Open Manhole During Inspection

Tawde was inspecting areas including Dadar, Hindmata and Gandhi Market when a sanitation worker associated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly fell into an open drain.

The incident unfolded in front of the Mayor, who immediately reprimanded the officials responsible for the area and warned of disciplinary action. She declared that if any manhole is found open, the official in charge of the concerned ward would face suspension. Mumbai Rains and Weather Forecast: IMD Issues Red Alert for Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms and Lightning.

Speaking to NDTV, Tawde said the manhole cover had been temporarily removed to clear accumulated waste and improve drainage during the heavy rains.

"The man should have also read the 'alert' sign and seen the barricades we have put around the manhole. When the signage clearly states, 'stay alert', then people should be cautious. I would urge people of Mumbai to read notices or posters put up by the BMC," said Tawde.

She added that the civic body has deployed multiple pumps across the city to remove water from flooded roads and is simultaneously clearing waste that may obstruct drains. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is working on war-footing," she added.

Heavy Rain Impacts Parts of Mumbai

Mumbai received intense rainfall after the arrival of the southwest monsoon, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas.

Authorities reported traffic disruptions and damage in some locations, including a wall collapse. Civic teams were deployed across vulnerable areas to monitor conditions and ensure drainage systems remained functional. The BMC has stepped up operations to manage flooding risks and maintain movement across major roads and public spaces.

The rainfall situation also sparked a political war of words between the ruling alliance and the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the Mahayuti government, accusing it of prioritising politics over civic infrastructure improvements.

In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the BJP-led government had "drained the BMC of its funds" and failed to implement measures recommended by the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi administration.

"This is needed for a coastal city like ours, along with pumping stations and increasing the diameter of the storm water drains, as the next step. From 2020-2022, we proved its worth by making them at Hind Mata/Gandhi Market and Milan Subway. What's worse, is they don't even operate the pumps and holding tanks at Hind Mata properly anymore to ensure it remains flood free, despite the system being in place!!" Thackeray wrote.

Mayor Hits Back at Opposition

Responding to the criticism, Tawde said effective governance requires officials and leaders to be present on the ground. "Work doesn't get done by sitting at home; you have to get out into the field," she said.

Tawde also accused Thackeray of managing the COVID-19 period from home and suggested that opposition leaders should visit affected areas to assess the situation firsthand.

As Mumbai continues to receive monsoon rainfall, civic authorities remain on alert, with officials monitoring flood-prone locations and drainage infrastructure across the city.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).