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NT Bureau
Chennai, Apr 20:
 

MANHOLE MENACE: Gaping pits along the stormwater drains on Thiruvalluvar Salai near Alappakam Road at Valasaravakkam are silent traps for motorists and pedestrians alike.

        In the last few months, the open and damaged manholes of storm water drains on Thiruvalluvar Salai, near the Alappakkam Road at Valasaravakkam, have been a source of big trouble for motorists, especially in the night.

        No official has inspected the drains so far on Thiruvalluvar Salai and the condition of open manholes, some of them covered with two-wheeler and car tyres, have worsened gradually to become death traps for vehicle riders. 'In the past, these manholes were covered with proper lids. But now most of them are open and lying unattended,' says Abdul Ameen, a shopkeeper on the street. At night, the motorists have to be doubly cautious as they may get trapped in the manholes on the roadside, he says.

        of late, Thiruvalluvar Salai has turned into a breeding plot for mosquitoes as the manholes were left open with a cover. 'Recently, good spirited locals covered the open drain with tyres and other remnants to prevent vehicles and pedestrians getting tripped over them. But these half-hearted measures will not do for we need a permanent step from the Municipality,' he says. However, some of the manholes on the main road were promptly repaired by Municipal workers, whereas those open drains on the interiors like the ones on Thiruvalluvar Salai were totally discarded by the officials, explain affected residents. Or at least, the authority should place barricades at vulnerable points to warn unwary public against the open traps, they plead.

        Large and uncovered pits on roadsides have been a major threat to students at Devi Academy Senior Secondary School, even as teachers feel the conditions of open manholes have further worsened. 'We have informed the officials over phone. But still no one has come forward to inspect these dangerous manholes and solve the problem for good,' says an official.

        Hence, the teachers have asked the students coming in bicycles to be wary of such pits during commuting to and from school. When contacted, Valasaravakkam Municipality chairman E C Sekar said no such problems relating to open manholes has come to his notice so far. 'However, during my routine work of inspecting the wards, I will check out the problem of manholes on Thiruvalluvar Salai. And if found true, immediate steps will be taken to cover the gaping holes along the storm water drains,' he assured.