Open drains in Pondy Bazaar put shoppers in peril

CHENNAI: Open manholes near storm water drains at several spots across the 1.5km length of Theyagaraya Road have left crowds of Diwali shoppers in harm’s way.

Rectangular structures along the upcoming pedestrian plaza were lying exposed without any barricade. Though the civic body had ensured barricading when initial work on the plaza began, the manholes remained uncovered without any thought for the safety of walkers.

Gayathri*, a shopper who visited Pondy Bazaar with her family on Saturday, got the shock of her life when she found her younger daughter jumping near an open manhole. “She could have easily fallen into the rectangular structure. As it was dark, she did not notice it was open. If some work is happening, they should have barricaded or covered it. This is highly irresponsible,” said Gayathri, who was waiting for a bus near Panagal Park to return home when the incident happened.

Another frequent visitor to the shopping hub said she was shocked to find at least four rectangle-shaped manholes on the same stretch left open even two days after the work on them finished.

Nirmala U, a shopper who visited Pondy Bazaar on Saturday to make Diwali purchases, was scared to walk on the wooden planks and slush, and chose instead to walk on the road amid buses and cars. “With so many shoppers walking on the road, there was an endless traffic jam in Pondy Bazaar,” she said.

Instead of laying metal planks, plywood has been laid in some places, for instance, near Big Bazaar. “These won’t be able to handle much weight. Also, there are ignorant motorcyclists already riding over these planks. Pedestrians walking along the road are in danger,” said Gokul, another visitor.

Corporation officials said the manholes would be useful for desilting storm water drains and also act as inspection chambers. “In many places they have been closed. Workers will be instructed to close the ones still open,” said an official.