Manhole mayhem: Uneven covers pose threat to lives in Amritsar

Several city roads have become a safety hazard for commuters, especially two-wheeler riders, due to protruding or sunken sewer manhole covers. These covers, found on various roads, pose a risk to motorists, particularly during the rainy season when roads are submerged under rainwater.

The unlevelled manhole covers can cause two-wheeler riders to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents and injuries. The problem gets exacerbated during the rainy season when waterlogging on roads makes it difficult for riders to even spot uneven covers.

A visit to Taylor Road would reveal that the stretch has at least four such manhole covers. Being a low-lying area, the entire stretch is flooded with water and it becomes difficult to guess the location of these ‘deadly traps’. Such manhole covers can also be spotted in posh areas, such as Ranjit Avenue.

Residents have expressed concern over the issue, highlighting the need for immediate attention from authorities. “These unlevelled manhole covers are a potential safety risk to commuters. The authorities must take urgent action to fix this problem and prevent accidents,” said Balkar Singh, a local resident.

The maintenance of city’s infrastructure is crucial to ensure the safety of commuters. Raman Behal, a shopkeeper, said, “Authorities must give priority to repairs and maintenance of roads, including fixing unlevelled manhole covers, to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth commute for residents.” He said many accidents have occurred in the past due to these spots.

The MC Commissioner recently at a meeting with senior officials asked them to ensure that all dug-up roads must be repaired before the onset of the monsoon. The MC Commissioner had also designated various officials to oversee the condition of roads in their respective jurisdiction.

“It would be better if the MC also asks the officials to identify the unlevelled manholes and repair these when the government machinery is already repairing roads,” suggested Harbhajan Singh, a senior citizen.

The issue requires immediate attention from the municipal corporation and other authorities responsible for maintaining the city’’s infrastructure. By taking prompt action, they can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of commuters.