BMC pest control worker dies after falling while inspecting water tank in Dadar

Todkar is survived by his wife and two sons, including his elder son Sairaj Todkar. Mayor Ritu Tawde met Sairaj at KEM Hospital following the incident and directed the civic administration to immediately initiate proceedings to provide pension benefits to the family and employment in the Municipal Corporation to an eligible heir

MUMBAI: A 45-year-old permanent BMC Pest Control Department worker died on Saturday after falling while inspecting a water tank for potential dengue breeding sites at BDD Chawl in Dadar East.

BMC pest control worker dies after falling while inspecting water tank in Dadar

The deceased, Pandurang Todkar, was inspecting a water tank at Building No. A6 when he slipped while climbing down, according to F/South assistant municipal commissioner Vrushali Ingule. The incident took place at around 2.55pm.

“While inspecting a water tank and climbing down, he slipped and fell from a height of approximately 5 to 7 feet onto his back. During the fall, a rod struck his eye,” Ingule said.

Todkar was immediately taken to KEM Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, including through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, he could not be revived and was declared dead on arrival.

Todkar is survived by his wife and two sons, including his elder son Sairaj Todkar. Mayor Ritu Tawde met Sairaj at KEM Hospital following the incident and directed the civic administration to immediately initiate proceedings to provide pension benefits to the family and employment in the Municipal Corporation to an eligible heir.

The death comes as Mumbai sees a sharp rise in monsoon-related diseases. According to the BMC’s monthly disease surveillance report, malaria cases more than doubled from 655 in June to 1,380 in July, while dengue cases increased from 266 to 466 during the same period.

Leptospirosis cases rose from 33 in June to 78 in July, while gastroenteritis cases increased from 603 to 851. Covid infections went up from 27 to 58 and H1N1 (swine flu) cases increased from 58 to 105. Chikungunya cases remained unchanged at seven.

Amid the surge in monsoon-related illnesses, the BMC’s Pest Control Department has intensified inspections of water tanks and other potential mosquito-breeding sites across the city. Todkar’s death occurred against the backdrop of these preventive measures being undertaken by the civic body to check mosquito breeding and curb the spread of monsoon-related diseases.