About a month ago, workers from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) reconstructed a manhole at Venkata Gramini Street off Arunachala Main Road in Chintadripet and increased its height to prevent blocks in the old drainage lines. However, the manhole is left open; instead of covering it with a concrete lid, the workers have put bundles of papers and worn-out cardboard boxes. Though it was only a temporary fixture, CMWSSB seems to be in no hurry to cover the manhole with a concrete lid.
The open manhole is a safety risk to motorists and pedestrians. “Raising the height of the manhole itself is a hazard as it impedes vehicular movement, and leaving it open for more than a month increases the risk quotient. Motorcyclists often lose their balance when they cross this portion of the stretch, especially in the late evening hours when the lighting is insufficient. Besides, many children play on the streets in the evening and it is highly dangerous for the manhole to be left open,” says S. Nagamani, a resident.
Though a residential colony, Venketa Gramini Street is often used as a regular thoroughfare by motorists to bypass the congested Arunachala Main Road to reach Egmore, Vepery, Park Town, Royapettah and Triplicane.
Residents worry that with frequent rain in the past few weeks, the bundles of paper and cardboard boxes will get soaked and washed away. “This is hardly a safety measure. Chintadripet is a locality prone to heavy inundation. If water stagnates on the road, no one will be able to see the open danger. We are very concerned about the safety of children and pedestrians, as they are at high risk,” says another resident.
“Steps will be taken to close the manhole with a new concrete lid soon,” says a Metrowater official.
