Unfinished drain work raises accident scare

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Residents of Shanti Nagar in Perambur (ward 67) dread to venture into their street at night due to the unfinished stormwater drain (SWD) work.

As this is a school zone, parents of students are on tenterhooks since they fear that the pit might cause accidents. They also point out that the callous attitude of the authorities might even lead to recurrence of the “T. Nagar incident” wherein a school teacher had died after falling into an uncovered stormwater drain last year.

“The unfinished drain work has inconvenienced pedestrians and motorists. The uncovered drain, and a pit nearby it, pose threats to the safety of the passers-by as it has not been barricaded. Students commuting on bicycles might also fall into the deep pit,” complained Mr Chandralekha, a parent of a primary student in Bala Vidyalaya, which is located just 50 metres away.

Many motorists have been caught unawares and have fallen and injured themselves in the pit, which is at the corner of the street, near the intersection of an arterial road. Had there been a warning sign or a barricade, the accidents could have been avoided. The trench with protruding iron rods also pose grave danger and could prove fatal for road users, said Mr Sooriyakumar a local resident.

“The iron rods on the edge of the unfinished SWD show the authorities’ indifferent attitude. It could cause grave injuries if anyone falls on it.” he added.

When contacted, the corporation zonal officer (Zone 6) said that action would be taken without delay to complete the remaining works.