Car falls into open pit, locals allege neglect by civic body

A HUGE PIT, PART OF A ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, IS LYING OPEN AND UNATTENDED NEAR THE VASANT VATIKA PARK FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS.

NEW DELHI: The construction work by civic authorities without following safety standards is risking the life of commuters and residents of Vasant Kunj.

A huge pit, part of a road construction project, is lying open and unattended near the Vasant Vatika park and C Block of Vasant Kunj for the past six months, said residents.

On Sunday morning, a car fell into the pit and locals said that the driver sustained minor injuries. Residents fear that more accidents are waiting to happen if the pit isn’t taken care of immediately.

“This is the second time I saw a car falling into it. The construction work, which should otherwise be completed in couple of months, has been going on for a long time,” said Neeraj Gupta, resident.

Another resident, Rajiv Saxena, said that the area sees heavy traffic as it is near Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj and has several other schools near this spot.

“Parents come in cars to drop their kids to school in the early morning hours. During this time of the year, when visibility is already low, this open pit has become a danger zone. I would not be surprised if people or more cars fall into it,” he added.

Though the residents of the area were not aware which civic body is carrying out the construction work, the MLA of the area, Naresh Yadav, said that the construction is being done by Public Works Department (PWD).

He said that there has been slight delay in the construction work, but he will visit the area soon and ensure that the problem is resolved.

“If there has been negligence in carrying out the work, the officials would be made accountable and action will be taken against them,” he added.