Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) was repeatedly reminded about the uncovered drain where accidents have happened earlier, say residents of Mayur Vihar.
Girish Chandra Verma, a social worker who is part of the Advisory Committee for the DDA park outside which the drain in question runs, said he had called PWD officials several times in the past few weeks to cover it.
He added that a child had fallen into the drain earlier, but was rescued.
“Another accident was waiting to happen thanks to the negligence. Stray animals have also fallen into the drain,” Mr. Verma added.
When asked if a written complaint was submitted, he said the communication was verbal only.
The drain, meanwhile, was found covered on Monday. Locals say this was done hours after the accident on Sunday.
PWD denies charges
According to field reports from local PWD personnel, the drain was not neglected. This, even as internal inquiries related to the incident are under way. According to a senior PWD official, the incident may be a result of personal enmity with there being more to it than what “meets the eye”.
Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, meanwhile, said that the PWD and Delhi Jal Board had turned into hot beds of corruption and negligence.