Open pits on footpath potential death traps near Ludhiana

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 28

While ignoring the safety of pedestrians, the footpath along the busiest service lane on the NH-44 near Jalandhar Bypass here has been dug up at various locations. After digging, the pits have been left uncovered for the past around 10 days, giving an open invitation to accidents.

Due to the negligence of the department concerned, the pedestrians are forced to suffer as no barricading or caution boards have been put to alert the people on footpath. Thus, chances of any mishap remain high there.

A street vendor, who station his cart near Jalandhar Bypass, said a pedestrian was about to fall recently as the uncovered pits are not visible at night. Residents of the nearby area said they have no information about which department has got the pits dug and for what purpose. The students from nearby schools often pass through the footpath. The residents have demanded from the administration to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the pedestrians.

A resident, Amarjit Singh said, “These open pits are actually death traps. The chances of fatal mishaps can’t be ignored as these pits have not been barricaded. If any pedestrian falls in them, he/she may suffer serious injuries. The government must fix responsibility of the department concerned.”

Another resident said, “It seems some poles are to be installed on the footpath area. But why the pits have been left uncovered? These open pits are too dangerous. If any poles are to be installed, the work should be done with proper planning so that the pedestrians don’t face any inconvenience. There should be no obstruction on the path meant for the pedestrians. The authorities concerned should pay attention.”

The residents also expressed concern that stray animals can also fall in these open pits. Superintending Engineer, MC, Teerath Bansal said the service lanes and main NH-44 stretch fall under the National Highway Authority of India.

Project Director, NHAI, Virender Singh said he will look into the matter.

Residentspeak

These open pits are actually death traps. The chances of fatal mishaps can’t be ignored as these pits have not been barricaded. If any pedestrian falls in them, he/she may suffer serious injuries. The government must fix responsibility of the department concerned. —Amarjit Singh, Resident

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