By Ranjeet Jadhav www.mid-day.com
After two boys fell and died in trench, MMRDA to deploy more guards and construct barricades to prevent any future incidents
A day after two brothers fell and died in a trench dug for the construction of the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro corridor at Asalpha in Andheri (east), officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have decided to investigate the matter and take necessary precautions to avoid such untoward incidents in the future.
MMRDA Commissioner Rahul Asthana said, “Yesterday’s incident was unfortunate but MMRDA will carry out an investigation into the matter to know how the two boys drowned in the pit.” Officials have also decided to inspect the site and increase the number of security guards.
“We will visit the site and will not only increase security but will also see to it that adequate barricading is maintained in order to restrict people from entering the prohibited area,” added MMRDA spokesperson Dilip Kawatkar.
On Saturday, Pratap (11) and Sanjay Pednekar (9), residents of Parab Chawl were found lying in the trench after they drowned in the pit dug for the Metro construction (‘Two kids drown at Metro site after trying to take dip’, April 10).
Rajaram Patne, an eyewitness said, “Around 9.30 am, I was sitting in my balcony when I saw these kids coming to the pit and they removed their clothes and jumped into the water. I could not stop them, but I immediately told my son to call up the police and inform them about the incident.”
According to police officials, the incident took place between 9.00 am-9.30 am and when the bodies of the children were fished out from the 12-ft pit, they were already dead.
“At present we are investigating the matter and an FIR will be registered against the contractor.”
When MiD DAY tried to contact Mumbai Metro One Private Limited, the firm which is responsible for constructing the Metro corridor, the spokesperson said, “We will take all measures to prevent trespassing in the future, including taking help from the police, if required.
Further, we have decided to put nylon nets at all those pile-caps which are deep and filled with water, which will ensure that even if someone does trespass no injury can occur.”
