Open manhole in Richmond Town not closed for 4 months

Open manholes in the rainy season turn death traps in the city. Opened when streets got flooded, these manholes are rarely closed later.

One such open manhole in Langford Gardens near Richmond Town has not been closed for the past four months, posing a threat to pedestrians and motorists.

“For the past four months, the manhole has been open and the BBMP and the BWSSB are engaged in blame game. We have complained to the local corporator but in vain. After repeated complaints, authorities closed the manhole with mud which will come out if it rains,” said a local resident.

Vijay Reddy, president of Langford Gardens Residents’ Welfare Association, said, “During rain, a lot of drain water comes out of the manhole and hotels nearby dump waste into it. Open manholes pose a threat to pedestrians during rain. The administration should take strict action against those who leave it open.”

A BBMP official said they didn’t open manholes unless gutters are blocked or there is water-logging. They denied leaving manholes open. “Sometimes, the BWSSB opens manholes and forgets to close it. We request them to close it.”

Officials promised to look into the issue of open manholes in Richmond Town and other parts of the city.