Srinagar, 15-Apr;Authorities have put lives of inhabitants of Sheliteng area of Habba kadal at risk by not paying any attention towards the uncovered manholes.While speaking to the inhabitants said that the uncovered manholes pose risk to inhabitants especially during evening and night hours. “Few days ago, a boy fell into a manhole. He had a narrow escape as some passersby rescued him,” said locals.They said many vehicles suffered damages after being struck in uncovered manholes while a school van had a narrow escape recently. One of the commuter claimed that he had a close shave due to the uncovered manholes. Mohsin, a resident of Rainwari , told Many commuters prefer this route as it connects Habba-Kadal to Baba demb but these manholes pose a severe risk. At night, low visibility makes it difficult to spot the uncovered drainage openings. On one such night, I was travelling through this lane when I could not see a manhole ahead of me. Only when I was much closer to the gutter, I realised that it was not covered. I had to apply emergency brakes and skidded.”This is a sheer callousness on part of the concerned authorities. We approached the concerned officials but they didn’t pay any heed,” locals alleged.When contacted concerned Muncipal Corporator,Nazir Gilkar, he seemed to be unaware of the disappearance of the manhole covers. “I will check as to why these manholes have not been covered and instruct the department concerned to find out where the covers of the manholes have been kept. We will ensure that they are back to where they belong to avoid causing inconvenience to commuters on the stretch,” Gilkar assured.(CNS)
