Dwarka: Open manholes and drains invite accidents in subcity

Dwarka: Open manholes have become a common sight in Dwarka. Likewise, pedestrians and commuters falling into open manholes have also become common. Things turn dangerous at night when it becomes difficult to spot the open manholes, especially for the senior citizens.

One such footpath can be spotted at the footpath near Sector 8 metro station, Dwarka towards Shahbad Village. Apart from the open manholes, the footpath has been in bad condition for quite a while now. Incidents of pedestrians getting injured because of these manholes are often reported in the area.

Residents say that such manholes with missing are a cause for accidents. They also point out that the authorities concerned are not looking into the matter. They also complain that because of the deplorable condition of the footpath, the pedestrians are now forced to walk on the main road.

Mehul Verma, a resident of SPG complex, Dwarka Sector 8, says, “Authorities need to take action on the complaints of open manholes. I live in this area and I cannot use this footpath because one day I fell and got injured in the knee. Therefore, I prefer to walk on the main road. It’s also not safe but we don’t have any other options.”

Sarla Devi, a resident of Shahbad Village, says, “Such open drains are telling the story of irresponsible behaviour of the civic bodies. It's very dangerous for us to walk on this road because the footpath is in very poor condition. Our kids need to walk on the main road to reach the metro station or home. Who will take the responsibility if something wrong happens with anyone?"

Rakesh Jha, a resident of Dwarka Sector 8, says, “I cannot afford to use a rickshaw daily. Due to missing manhole covers, the condition of this road and footpath is bad. During rain especially the mosquitos increase in the open drains. In addition, the problem of stagnant water in the open drains also remains the same. It’s high time that authorities need to take necessary action about this issue.”

CitySpidey has taken photographs of these spots with missing manhole covers to make the authorities aware of the ground reality.