Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday as yet another child drowned in the pond located at Jhansi Ki Rani Garden in Borivali (West), Mumbai. The unfortunate death sent shockwaves across the local area.
It is important to note that former Member of Parliament and public servant Gopal Shetty has been actively raising concerns about this pond and the negligence shown by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for several years. He has consistently written letters to the relevant departments of the BMC demanding proper maintenance of the pond, construction of a safety wall, and deployment of security personnel. Despite conducting multiple meetings with senior officials and even launching several protests, the municipal administration failed to take adequate action, resulting in a continuous rise in drowning incidents.
Upon hearing the heartbreaking news of the child’s death on Sunday, August 3rd, Gopal Shetty rushed to the spot without delay. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, went to the MHB Police Station to demand legal action against the negligent BMC officials. His demand for strict accountability and preventive measures to stop such fatal incidents shook the administrative system to its core.
Alongside Gopal Shetty, BJP MLA from Borivali, Sanjay Upadhyay, along with many former corporators, party officials, and workers, were present at the site.
Speaking to the media, Gopal Shetty stated that years ago, the Hon’ble Court had issued clear directives assigning the responsibility of the pond’s upkeep to the BMC. Furthermore, the Collector had officially handed over the pond’s land to the BMC. Following this, then-BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had directed the ‘R’ Ward to take responsibility for the pond’s maintenance. However, due to the continued negligence of ward officers and senior officials, the pond remains in a dangerous and abandoned state. As the number of drowning cases increases, the burden of accountability lies squarely on these officials. If swift action is not taken, the public will be compelled to launch a major protest.
