Manholes sans covers in waterlogged streets a threat to commuters in city

A heavy spell of rain brought the inadequacies in city’s infrastructure to the fore, exposing the dangers posed by missing or protruding sewerage manhole covers on various roads. With streets getting waterlogged, commuters were forced to navigate the treacherous terrain, with makeshift warning signs being the only indication of the hidden hazards.

A sewerage manhole cover was seen missing near Golden Avenue, with local residents claiming that it had been removed to let water from the road drain out. In another life-threatening incident, the area around a manhole cover had caved in. Residents stated that someone had placed a large stick at the spot to guide commuters, but the heavy rains had washed it off.

During severe waterlogging, residents or shopkeepers usually mark the spot by putting a stick with a cloth tied to its end, making it resemble a flag. These improvised warning signs were a stark reminder of the city’s failure to address this perennial problem.

Residents expressed frustration that despite numerous accidents, including fatalities, local authorities had not taken adequate measures to rectify the situation. In the past, there had been incidents where people had lost their lives after falling in manholes that were open, sans covers.

The problem is not limited to missing manhole covers, even those that are in place can pose a risk, particularly for two-wheeler drivers. Manholes with covers fitted at a level higher than the road surface can cause accidents when roads get submerged under water. Such hazardous manholes can be spotted in the Islamabad area and various localities on Majitha Road. Residents demanded that the Municipal Corporation take immediate action to refit manhole covers and use concrete covers that are less prone to theft.

“The MC must ensure that manhole covers are refitted at places where they are missing,” said Harish Sharma, a resident. He added that the problem surfaces every time the roads are waterlogged, but nothing has been done by the administration. Jagtar Singh, another resident, echoed similar sentiments, “The MC must make arrangements to solve the problem. These open and raised manholes can cause serious accidents resulting in injuries, even fatalities for vehicle drivers.”

DC Sakshi Sawhney said senior officials of the administration had been assigned duties to look after the condition of the roads in their areas.

Amritsar