Mumbai: Commuters raise alarm over dangerously slick and dark Borivli jetty

Commuters cross the jetty during low tide on the Borivli side on Thursday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Commuters using the ferry to cross Gorai creek are facing a host of difficulties daily on the 400-metre-long jetty on the Borivli side that has a slippery path and no street lamps. Gorai residents have accused the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) of not getting the jetty cleaned for months.

Gorai Gawthan Panchayat Sarpanch Rossi Dsouza said that the Borivli side was earlier maintained by Essel World. "Since it is shut amid Covid-19, the MMB has not taken the responsibility to get it cleaned. Essel World's management also kept the area illuminated. MMB has not even bothered to remove fallen street lamps," Dsouza said.

"A number of commuters travel daily from Gorai village, Culvem and Uttan areas to Mumbai using the ferry. They arrive in the morning and return at night. The problem occurs when it is low tide and the boat stops near the end of the jetty and commuters have to cross the jetty," Dsouza said.

Jessica Dmello, 26, a private banker in Charkop, Kandivli, often leaves her office late in the evening. "Crossing it at night is unsafe. I have often noticed snakes. I use my mobile's torch to reach the boat. The government should give us immediate relief," Dmello said.

A clerk at a private school, Avita Kinny, 24, carries a water bottle to clean her feet after getting off the boat. Dolarose D'mello, 34, who works in Bandra, carries an extra pair of shoes. Cletta Hanso, 68, has to take her husband, Joseph, to Borivali thrice a week for dialysis. "I can't afford to go in a car. I have to carry a few bags, balance myself and support my ailing husband. Sometimes, co-passengers assist us," she said. The task is also difficult for those who take their two-wheelers across.

The head of Operations and Ferry for Essel World Ajit Lotankar said, "The total cost of maintenance, including electricity bill, is nearly Rs 35,000 per month. Two people used to clean the jetty daily when the tide receded. Earlier, I had written multiple letters to MMB and municipal corporation to get the area cleaned or arrange proper lighting but did not get a response."

MMB speaks

Captain Praveen Khara of MMB said, "It is the responsibility of boat operators to get the jetty cleaned, MMB does not clean the jetty."

"Recently, we have elevated the jetty and are planning a Ro-Ro jetty to resolve the issue but Gorai villagers are opposing it. For electricity, the local politicians are taking initiative to keep it well-lit. A few street lamps fell during Cyclone Tauktae," Khara added.

The Gorai Macchimar Society, which has been cleaning the jetty on the Gorai side, said it can't afford to clean both sides. They are also struggling financially due to fewer passengers. President of the society, Joseph Colasco, said, "We hardly get returns in this ferry business as passengers are limited and fuel cost is rising. We can't afford to hire more people to get the Borivli side cleaned. Once Essel World starts, the problem will be resolved," he said.