Damaged sewerage manholes across various parts of the town —particularly on St Paul’s School Road — have turned into major safety hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike. Local residents allege that despite several accidents, the Palampur Municipal Corporation (MC) has failed to initiate permanent repairs.
The situation is critical near St Paul’s School, where a damaged manhole has been temporarily covered with a flimsy tin sheet. Commuters note that this makeshift fix has turned the busy stretch into a virtual death trap, making it incredibly difficult for vehicles to pass safely and leaving two-wheeler riders highly vulnerable.
Beyond traffic hazards, the broken infrastructure is causing a public health crisis. Blocked and damaged sewer lines are overflowing onto roads across town. The situation is particularly severe on the Palampur bypass, where stagnant sewage flows directly onto the carriageway, plaguing residents, shopkeepers and commuters with a foul stench.
Despite repeated complaints, locals accuse the civic body of outright negligence. Parents of school-going children have expressed deep concern over the hazards near St Paul’s School, demanding immediate intervention before a major tragedy occurs.
Residents have urged the Municipal Corporation to replace the damaged covers, repair the broader sewer network and implement a regular maintenance schedule, warning of public protests and further accidents if prompt action is not taken.