A senior citizen was injured after tripping over a protruding gas pipeline lid near ESIS Hospital in Sector 5, Vashi, on Wednesday.
The victim, identified as Praveen Belif, a resident of Sector 9, fell face-first while walking along the busy stretch. Her spectacles shattered on impact, causing facial injuries. Locals said the uneven lid caused her to lose balance suddenly in a high-footfall zone near the hospital.
Social activist and Vashi resident advocate Anshu Vaardhaan rushed to help. He provided water and immediately arranged for medical attention. Even after several attempts MGL PR was unavailable for comment.
Civic response
Officials from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation gave limited clarity. Sukhdev Yedve, assistant commissioner and ward officer, said, “I am handling administrative work. For technical details, you may contact the executive engineer.”
Uneven pavement near ESIS Hospital in Sector 5 that caused the fall
Pandharinath Chavde, executive engineer, Vashi ward, said, “I will inspect the location. Estimates for footpath work in Sectors 5 to 8 have been submitted, and tenders for one area have already been completed.”
‘This is criminal negligence’
Calling the incident avoidable, Vaardhaan said, “This is no longer an accident but the result of years of NMMC’s criminal negligence. A senior citizen fell face-first and her glasses shattered into her eyes because of a protruding gas pipeline lid near ESIS Hospital. Despite repeated letters, the ward office continues to ignore these hazards — uneven footpaths, fibre optic ducts, uneven manholes, gas pipeline ducts and broken streetlights.” He added, “Are the authorities waiting for a fatality before they act? We pay taxes for safety, not hospital bills. I demand an immediate audit and levelling of all such hazards across Vashi.”
Not the first incident
Protruding gas pipeline lid that led to the accident
Locals said such accidents are frequent in the area. Pramila Vijay Kapoor, 69, a resident of Sector 7, recalled, “On July 14, 2024, I slipped on an uneven footpath and hit a drainage lid. I needed three stitches and it took nearly a month to heal. Only a temporary repair was done, with no permanent solution.”
High-risk zone for elderly
The stretch between Sectors 5 and 8 is dominated by row houses and is home to an estimated 2500 senior citizens, making such hazards particularly dangerous.
“Uneven footpaths, potholes and open lids are risky, especially for elderly residents who walk here daily,” said a local resident.
The presence of ESIS Hospital further increases pedestrian movement, including patients and visitors.
Residents demand action
Residents allege that despite repeated complaints, only temporary fixes have been carried out, with no long-term solution.
With growing concern, locals are now demanding urgent, time-bound action before such incidents turn fatal.
Civic hazards flagged
>> Protruding gas pipeline lids
>> Uneven and broken footpaths
>> Raised manhole covers
Demand: Immediate audit, levelling and permanent repairs across affected sectors
