She warned that one should avoid stepping on these grates, drains, and covers, as they may look strong, but that is often deceptive
Representational Image
A citizen who suffered an injury last year after she stepped on a grated drain on the road and two spokes broke, causing her leg to slip inside, marked the grim one year anniversary recently.
She reached out via a social media messaging app, telling people to send photos of dilapidated or cracked drain or manhole covers. The idea was to create awareness, push those responsible towards inspection, investigation and repair. She warned that one should avoid stepping on these grates, drains, and covers, as they may look strong, but that is often deceptive.
What is concerning is the number of pictures flowing in from citizens. This shows that those responsible need to keep an eye on all covers across wards. We are also still, disappointingly, at the discussion stage about covers that can only be removed by authorised personnel. A debate had erupted after these covers had been removed by supposed ‘well-meaning’ locals during flooding in the city, hoping the water drains into the manholes and mitigates waterlogging. That, however, is out of the purview of this edit.
This is a call for continual, consistent inspection, quick response to red flags raised about covers or even spokes in drains or any kind of infrastructure that looks debilitated.
There are two aspects to this — firstly, we need a proactive approach where decision makers are looking out for people by keeping an eye on infra. If these are highlighted through media or even social media, they must warrant a check at least. Secondly, we need reactions. The dangerous equipment or infra has to be cordoned so it cannot be used and repairs, which are good quality and long lasting, should be undertaken as soon as possible. A safe city is a right.
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