The Coimbatore Corporation has imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on a contractor for leaving a manhole open after desilting work in Gandhipuram. This action follows an incident where a woman slipped and fell into the drain on a 100-foot road, escaping with minor injuries.The woman fell into the three-and-a-half-foot-deep drain after workers had removed silt and blockages ahead of the monsoon season to facilitate the smooth flow of water but failed to close the manhole afterwards. The incident gained widespread attention when a video of the woman falling into the drain went viral.
In response, the Coimbatore civic body swiftly closed two open drains in the area on Monday. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran addressed the media on Tuesday, confirming that the contractor responsible for leaving the drain open was fined Rs 50,000. Additionally, disciplinary action is being taken against a civic body engineer for failing to monitor the situation and ensure the necessary safety measures were in place. A memo has been issued, and efforts are underway to inspect and secure all open drains across the city.
Residents have expressed concern over the state of drains in the city, noting that several areas have open or damaged drains posing significant risks to pedestrians. They urge officials to ensure that drains are properly closed after desilting work to prevent further accidents.
“The officials should ensure that drains are closed properly after desilting work to avoid any further tragedy,” a local resident remarked, reflecting the broader sentiment of the community.
The incident has highlighted the need for stringent oversight and accountability in public works to safeguard the well-being of residents. The Coimbatore Corporation’s prompt action and the penalties imposed aim to reinforce the importance of adhering to safety protocols in municipal operations.