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BMC officials detailed the arrangements made at Azad Maidan, stressing that despite continuous rain and the festive pressure of Ganeshotsav, facilities were running smoothly
Manoj Jarange is on an indefinite hunger strike. (File image/PTI)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has strongly countered the allegations made by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange that protesters at Azad Maidan have been left without basic civic amenities. In an official statement, the civic body clarified that it has been working round the clock to ensure protesters arriving from across Maharashtra are not deprived of essential services such as clean drinking water, sanitation, medical assistance, and hygiene facilities.
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“We want to make it clear that not a single service has been stopped or withheld. On the contrary, extra manpower and resources have been deployed so that people gathered at the protest site do not face hardship,” the civic body said.
BMC officials detailed the arrangements made at Azad Maidan, stressing that despite continuous rain and the festive pressure of Ganeshotsav, facilities were running smoothly. For instance, 12 tankers of drinking water have been stationed at the ground with more on standby. Over 500 sanitation workers from multiple wards have been deployed to ensure the area remains clean, while fumigation teams have been spraying insecticides to prevent mosquito breeding. For health support, a 24-hour medical camp with four teams and multiple ambulances has been set up, in coordination with Nair Hospital, JJ Hospital, GT Hospital, and Bombay Hospital.
In addition, nearly 300 toilets—including mobile and pay-and-use toilets—have been opened up to protesters free of cost. Even food outlets and local shops in the area remain open, with no restriction on water supply or essential services, contrary to circulating rumours.
The civic body also emphasised the extra efforts taken for the protesters’ comfort. To counter the waterlogging and mud caused by rain, trucks of gravel were laid at the entry points of the ground to ensure smoother access. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has installed high-intensity searchlights for safety and visibility during night hours.
A dedicated team of senior BMC officials is on-ground 24×7, monitoring the situation and coordinating with hospitals, police, and other state agencies.
“We appeal to people not to believe in misinformation. Our priority is to ensure that every citizen, including those participating in the ongoing protest, has access to safe and basic amenities,” the BMC clarified. The rebuttal comes at a time when political heat is intensifying around Jarange’s hunger strike, with civic management of the protest site becoming a flashpoint in the larger Maratha reservation debate.
About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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