Residents push for quick fix to open manhole on Narregudam Road
Hyderabad: An open manhole has been found at Indus Valley Phase II, Narregudam Road, Beeramguda, causing concern among commuters passing through that area about safety hazards. Residents and commuters urge the Ameenpur Municipal Corporation authorities to take swift action to prevent potential accidents.
While speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Koushik, a resident, said, “I saw this late last night while traveling from ORR to Beeramguda Road. I was concerned that the lack of lighting there made it quite dangerous for commuters. Since this location falls under the Ameenpur Municipality (MC), I tagged the appropriate wing of Ameenpur MC on Twitter (or) ‘X’ Account. I’m awaiting their response. The location is Indus Valley Phase II, Narregudam Road, Beeramguda.”
It was learned that Hyderabad Water Board officials have recently warned that strict action will be taken if manholes in the city’s roads and other areas are opened. The instructions are given in view of the rainy season and to avoid untoward incidents. With the onset of the rainy season, the water board is gearing up with precautionary measures.
It is pertinent to note that it is an offense under HMWSSB ACT – 1989, Section 74, for any citizen or unauthorized person to open or remove the lid of manholes without the permission of the authorities. “Strict action will be taken if you violate this and commit such acts. A criminal case will be registered against such people. In addition to fines, the accused may also be jailed in some cases,” said the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
@AmeenpurM @AE_Ameenpur
Open manhole atIndus Valley Phaze II, Narregudam Road, Beeramguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 502032 pic.twitter.com/9vSwWKVDz7
— Koushik (@sai_koushika) June 25, 2024
If any manhole cover is damaged or found to be open or any other problems or complaints should be reported by calling Water Board’s Complaint number 155313.
Special efforts to remove water logging
In connection with the safety measures, the Water Board said, “Safety grills have already been fixed on more than 25 thousand manholes along with deep manholes. Those on the main roads were sealed with covers and painted red. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERT) and a Safety Protocol Team (SPT) were deployed. Protective equipment is provided to the personnel working at the field level. The vehicles assigned to these teams have a dewatering motor with a generator. With its help, rainwater would be removed. All of them would work vigilantly in their respective areas. These teams mainly focus on water-logged areas. Along with these, Air Tech Missions are also available. The waste (silt) taken from the manholes is removed occasionally.”
The officials further informed that a sewerage team headed by a sewer inspector from each section had been formed to monitor the manholes occasionally. They go to the areas under their jurisdiction at field level early in the morning and monitor the situation. Choking and water logging points are cleared occasionally in coordination with GHMC officials.