Must Manage basic infra diligently
Faulty manholes have become more than just an inconvenience, they are a visible and dangerous lapse in urban governance. Open drains, broken covers and poorly marked pits pose risks to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, especially during the monsoon when waterlogging conceals them. They threaten lives and erode public trust in civic administration. The responsibility for maintaining infrastructure lies with the Municipal Corporation (MC). When manholes are not repaired in time and are left uncovered for extended periods, it signals systemic inefficiency and lack of accountability. Holding the municipal authorities answerable is necessary to compel timely action, enforce maintenance standards and prioritise citizen safety. A city’s commitment to its residents is reflected in how diligently it manages the most basic infrastructure.
Novin Christopher
Reflection of civic neglect
Faulty and uncovered manholes reflect civic neglect and pose serious risks to public safety. Open drains and missing covers can lead to accidents, especially for pedestrians, children and two-wheeler riders, particularly at night or during the rainy season. When such hazards persist despite complaints, it points to a failure of maintenance and monitoring. The MC should be held directly accountable. While contractors and other agencies may be involved, the ultimate duty of ensuring safety lies with municipal authorities. To address the issue, the MC must implement time-bound repair systems, fix responsibility on officials and impose penalties for delays. Use of technology, like complaint-tracking apps and helpline numbers, and regular inspections can help improve efficiency. Additionally, temporary safety measures, such as barricades and reflective signs, should be mandatory until repairs are completed. Traditional covers should be replaced with lockable, theft-proof ones. The authorities must blacklist contractors for repeated negligence.
Suneet Kaur
Real-time tracking system needed
The defective and exposed manholes are an example of municipal disregard and put locals at grave risk. It is necessary to hold the MC responsible. Implementing a real-time reporting and tracking system, using an application or a helpline number, that allows citizens to report missing or damaged covers, paired with stringent deadlines and penalties for delays, is crucial. The company tasked with installing the covers should make sure all manholes are adequately maintained and sealed. Monthly inspections should be conducted. In addition to increasing responsiveness, it will establish accountability, lower accident rates and help rebuild public confidence in civic governance.
Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura
Need helpline for citizen complaints
Open manholes lead to fatal falls, serious injuries and significant damage to vehicles. Under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, the MC is responsible for maintaining public infrastructure. Continued negligence may result in liability of compensation and action through the State Human Rights Commission or the National Green Tribunal. The authorities must launch a 24×7 helpline and WhatsApp number for citizens to report missing covers. A time-bound repair mandate, such as six hours for main roads and 24 hours for side streets, must be introduced. Hinged or bolted covers that are difficult to remove must be installed across the city. The cast-iron covers should make way for recycled composite or concrete alternatives that have low scrap value. The authorities must register scrap dealers and penalise those found purchasing stolen infrastructure.
Mohammad Saleem Farooq
Issue points to years of neglect
It is not a one-off problem and points to years of civic neglect. It creates serious safety risks, especially at night, during rain or for two-wheelers, pedestrians, children and the elderly. The MC is responsible for installing, maintaining and replacing manhole covers as part of road and sewer infrastructure. Theft for scrap is common but many covers are not properly secured and replacements are slow. Manholes often left open or improperly covered during road repairs, with inadequate barricades or warnings. To avoid accident, the MC must put up temporary barricades, reflective warning signs and night lighting at all faulty locations. The authorities need to launch a rapid response team for same-day covering of reported open manholes. It is a fixable problem and with focussed execution, the MC can significantly reduce risks within months. Prioritising pedestrian and two-wheeler riders’ safety should be non-negotiable.
Farzana Khan
Take immediate corrective steps
Manholes above the road surface often lead to jerks for two-wheelers and can cause accidents. Broken or missing covers are even more dangerous. Open or weak covers create a threat for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. It is the MC’s responsibility to change or repair the manholes immediately.
Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal
Issue explained
MANHOLES are basic elements of urban infrastructure, meant to ensure safe access to underground utilities. However, when covers are missing or damaged, they become dangerous traps for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It raises questions over public safety as accidents can lead to fatalities and serious injuries. As the municipal authorities are entrusted with maintaining such infrastructure, the issue touches on urban governance, Persistent neglect suggests inefficiency, mismanagement or lack of accountability in resource allocation. The Municipal Corporation must be held liable for failing to prevent hazards. Some, however, believe citizens also play a role in reporting problems and demanding action.
QUESTION for next week
In light of the Tajpur Road Dairy Complex protest where operators dumped cow dung outside the MC office, should civic authorities be held responsible for creating a proper disposal system, or should dairy owners be mandated to manage waste sustainably?
Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (May 14).