Following bold assertions in the high court last June, the BMC has initiated the tendering process to install safety nets within manholes. However, this effort is primarily focused on sewer networks, neglecting stormwater drains. The decision to implement nets arose after Dr Amrapurkar’s tragic drowning in an open stormwater drain manhole in August 2017.

Despite assurances to install nets in all manholes post the Bombay High Court’s dissatisfaction in June 2023, the tender process has only commenced now. The BMC has covered less than six per cent of manholes over the past seven years. Presently, in response to the high court’s rebuke in June 2023, the BMC is issuing tenders at ward levels, albeit exclusively for sewer line manholes.