GREATER NOIDA: With monsoon underway, open manholes and lack of covers on drains across many sectors in Greater Noida not only pose a threat of accidents when roads are waterlogged but also emit foul smell which leaves stepping out of homes unviable. Manholes in almost all sectors such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Eta, Delta, Swarna Nagari, sectors 36, 37 and Pi 3 etc are without any cover while stormwater drain covers are missing or broken in many areas across different sectors such as Gamma 2, Delta 1, etc.
Many incidents of stray cattle falling in these drains and accidents with manholes have been reported in the past. “We have written to the CEO of GNIDA about these open manholes and drains in most of the sectors. Even though tenders for the job have been distributed, the work is yet to start. Such negligence can result in a major accident or even death,” said Harinder Bhati, a resident of Sector Beta 1 where many open manholes emit a foul smell from sewers due to which the residents have stopped stepping out of their homes and keep their doors and windows shut.
According to him, the issue has been persisting for over a few months to nearly a year in some areas. “These manholes and drains are not visible on waterlogged roads. This can lead to any major accident. Already incidents of straycattle and dogs falling in big drains have been reported of late. Commuters too stand a risk of a major accident,” said Alok Singh, a resident of Sector Alpha 1.
Residents questioned the reason for the delay in the work despite the tender being allotted. “When the Authority is spending crores on these contracts and issuing tenders, why is the work not visible on the ground?” asked Bhati. When contacted CEO of Greater Noida Authority Surendra Singh, he directed the matter to the deputy general manager Salil Yadav who said, “necessary instructions have been given to the concerned work circles for resolving the issues.”
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE