DM orders capping of manholes, releases helpline number
I HAVE DIRECTED THE MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND ALL COMPLAINTS REGARDING OPEN MANHOLES AND ALL ZONAL OFFICERS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO ENSURE SAFETY OF RESIDENTS.
RAJSHEKHAR, district magistrate
Fedup of Jal Sansthan’s inaction in covering up open manholes across the city, the district administration has decided to take matters in its hands. District magistrate Rajshekhar on Sunday issued directives to the Jal Sansthan to cap all open gutters and install reflectors around them to make them easily visible to passersby.
The action has come after a nine-year-old boy was killed after he fell in an open manhole in South City last week.
In a meeting held on Sunday, the DM also released toll free numbers where residents can report the presence of uncapped manholes in their locality. Residents can dial 052223077770 and 0522- 23077782 or lodge complaints on the website of Lucknow Municipal Corporation-- www.innpgrs.in-in this regard.
Addressing officials of the LMC, Public Works Department, Lucknow Development Authority and the Jal Sansthan, Rajshekhar directed zonal officials to visit every ward and make sure all manholes are covered. The DM said, “I have directed the municipal commissioner to attend all complaints regarding open manholes and all zonal officers have been directed to ensure safety of residents. They will have to present progress reports next Sunday.”
Municipal commissioner Rakesh Kumar Singh said, “The manholes in Hazaratganj-the ones near Begum Hazarat Mahal Park, Janpath gate, Gokhale Marg and Prag Narayan Road-have been covered. I have already directed officials to barricade all the open manholes in the city.”
Jal Sansthan general manager RP Varma told officials during the meeting that the locality where the incident occurred was still maintained by Unitech City Limited and was yet to be transferred to the Jal Sansthan.”