Uncovered manholes pose risk to commuters in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 19: Failure of authorities to undertake repairs of uncovered manholes is posing a serious risk of accidents to commuters on various roads of the summer capital.
Roads from Downtown to Uptown areas are dotted with uncovered manholes posing a grave risk to both pedestrians and commuters.
The residents said that these uncovered manholes are often barely visible, especially after sunset. They said that these open manholes have resulted in multiple accidents, injuries, and rising public distress.
“Many of these manholes are loosely covered with makeshift materials like wooden planks, cardboard sheets, and even thin metal covers, turning them into virtual death traps. One wrong step, and you could either be in a hospital or worse,” said Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Downtown Srinagar.
Commuters said that at Khanyar, near the revered Dastgeer Sahib (RA) shrine, a manhole has been a persistent issue for a long time. Locals say it has been repaired multiple times, but the fix never lasts. “Poor-quality material and temporary fixes have turned it into a permanent threat for daily commuters. We now use sticks and colourful cloth to mark its location, or someone will surely fall in,” said a local
They said in several neighborhoods, open manholes are dangerously close to homes and shops, with no warning signs placed nearby. While citing another example, a commuter said that manholes in the Bemina area are a daily danger for students, as it is near the Degree College
“They have just placed a few rocks around it. Once the sun sets, you can’t even spot it unless you are careful. I saw a biker have a close call there last week,” said Zohaib, a student.
To mention, over the past year, dozens of expensive manhole covers have been stolen across the city in what authorities describe as a bizarre and alarming pattern of thefts.
An official from the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) said that they have replaced a large number of covers under their jurisdiction and are continuing to do so.
“We are aware of the issue and are working on fixing it systematically. We have also written to the police regarding the thefts and are hopeful that strict action will be taken soon,” the official added.
Residents say a city-wide audit of manholes is need of the hour. They said proper safety barricades, reflective warning markers, and durable covers that cannot be easily stolen or displaced can resolve the issue.
