The uncovered sewer drains adjacent to a few schools in Thennur posed a threat to students, passersby and elders. Though there was no report of untoward incident so far, local residents fear that it is waiting to happen if no corrective steps are taken immediately.
It is glaring to see the uncovered drains on the road leading to Uzhavar Sandhai from the underpass of Railway Over Bridge Shastry in Thennur where schools such as Mahatma Gandhi Centenary Vidyalaya, Rajaji Vidyalaya and Dhakshina Bharatha Hindi Prachara Sabha are located.
Though the storm water drain, constructed along the narrow road, is covered in patches, it is uncovered for about 15 meters adjacent to the Mahatma Gandhi School posing danger to pavement users and children. Similarly, the drain is uncovered beyond the school zone too in Thennur.
On school days, the Uzhavar Sandhi road in front of the Mahatma Gandhi School and Rajaji School become extremely busy, particularly during school opening and closing hours, with the arrival of a large number of cars, vans and two-wheelers to drop and pick up students. Many of them would wait on pavements of the open drain adjacent to the schools. It is feared that there is a danger of students falling in the drain inadvertently while they get into the car or van.
“It is posing a danger to the school children. They will surge towards the waiting vehicles in the school close hours. Some naughty children push others to get in to the vehicles in a hurry. If anyone does mischievous activity, it may land up in children falling in the drainage,” said an auto driver in Thennur, who regularly transport children from schools.
Locals said that the drains were lying uncovered for a long period. Nothing could be materialised though representations were given to the people’s representatives and Tiruchi Corporation authorities on several occasions.
They said it is the high time to set right the problem. It should be solved before the opening of schools for the next season. Similarly, action should also be taken to cover the open drains in other parts of Thennur with slaps in order to prevent untoward incidents.
