A distressing incident on Tajpur Road in Ludhiana, where a young child narrowly escaped drowning in an open, waterlogged drain, has sparked widespread outrage. The event, captured on a viral video, shows the child's mother pulling her to safety within seconds. The mishap took place near Amrit Dharam Kanda Chowk on Wednesday evening, once again highlighting the perilous road conditions in the area.
Details of the Incident
According to local residents, a woman riding a scooter with three children lost her balance after hitting a concealed open drain that was submerged under filthy, stagnant water. The impact caused her daughter, who was standing in front, to slip into the drain. Reacting swiftly, the mother rescued the child, while bystanders helped retrieve the scooter. The entire sequence was recorded and shared widely on social media, drawing attention to the hazardous state of the roads.
Recurring Waterlogging Issues
Residents have expressed that waterlogging on this stretch is a routine problem, making it extremely difficult to spot hidden dangers like open drains. A local resident stated, "People, including schoolchildren and elderly residents, are forced to wade through this filth daily. Several have slipped and been injured." The community blames nearby dairy units for the continuous overflow of water and accumulation of sludge, which exacerbates the situation.
Political Reaction
The incident gained political traction after Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu shared the video on social media, criticizing the state government and questioning public safety on city roads. His post amplified calls for accountability and immediate action.
Public Demands and Official Response
Residents have alleged that repeated complaints to authorities have yielded no results. They are demanding strict action against dairy operators and a permanent solution for the disposal of wastewater and animal waste. A senior municipal corporation official stated that the drain falls under the jurisdiction of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB), indicating a jurisdictional issue. Efforts to contact PWSSB officials for comment did not elicit a response.
Urgent Need for Civic Intervention
The incident has intensified demands for urgent civic intervention, with locals warning that such "hidden death traps" could lead to a major tragedy if not addressed immediately. The community continues to call for comprehensive measures to ensure road safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
