DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, May 9: Uncovered openings in sewers along the roads in Diglipur have posed a threat to pedestrians days ahead of the rainy season.
According to reports, the Diglipur APWD Division employed a contractor to drill cover slabs on sewage drains using Excavators around 15 days ago to clear clog ups.
But the contractor reportedly left the work midway after creating manholes at least 20 places measuring 30x30cms with 12 mm iron rod protruding out of the holes. Sources claim that a child fell into one of the holes recently but escaped with minor injuries.
“Till recently, all the sewers in Diglipur were properly covered with RCC slabs. But for slapdash approach of the APWD to clear blockages in the drainage network, the residents of Diglipur now face a serious threat of accidents after the contractor dumped the work midway.
A local business man, Mr Srinivasan recently arranged bitumen drums and covered some of the open drains. But majority of the open spaces particularly in areas near Andaman Tamizhar Sangam where special summer classes are underway, has emerged as a major threat for the pedestrians.
“As the pavement is of the same height as the road, during rainy season with overflowing drains, it will become difficult to identify the pavement. With no other choice than to walk on the pavement with open spaces, pedestrians face a grave risk of sustaining injuries after falling into the pits. Such open drains expose the lackadaisical approach of the authorities towards maintaining public facilities,” alleges the Secretary of Tamizhar Sangham, Mr KV Rai.
“Not a single official from the APWD, Subhashgram Panchayat or the District Administration visited the spot despite repeated pleas to ensure covered sewers in the region. During heavy rains, the entire sewage network in Diglipur will be inundated with water making the pavement risky for pedestrians. The APWD must act immediately to prevent an untoward accident during the monsoon season,” said some shopkeepers.
