Falling trees and branches resulted in 22 deaths and 306 injuries between Jan 2020 and Sept 202
The information was provided by Sunil Jadhav , public information officer and assistant engineer in the department, in response to Shaikh’s RTI application seeking details of emergency accidents, deaths and injuries between 2020 and 2026.
“While emergency services play a critical role in responding to accidents, the figures raise questions about the adequacy of preventive measures to protect residents from avoidable hazards,” said Shaikh. The data have brought into focus the risks posed by dilapidated buildings, fire hazards and dangerous public spaces, including manholes and drains. Mumbai’s exposure to heavy rainfall and landslides also makes safety measures at vulnerable locations crucial. Seeking preventive measures, Shaikh has written to the municipal commissioner and the chief fire officer, calling for regular inspections of hazardous locations, safety measures around open manholes and drains, building safety checks and improvements to emergency response systems.