Deadly Pit in Janakpuri Exposes Critical Safety Failures in Delhi Sewer Project
The fatal pit where Kamal Dhyani's body was discovered measures a staggering 20 feet long, 14 feet deep, and 13 feet wide. Located precisely on Joginder Singh Marg in Janakpuri, this dangerous excavation is surrounded by at least four other similarly gaping pits along the same stretch. All these excavations have been created by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) as part of ongoing underground sewer work.
Inadequate Safety Measures Before the Tragedy
A thorough spot inspection by Times of India revealed multiple safety violations that created a hazardous environment. Before Friday morning's incident, only two brown barricades had been positioned near the traffic light at the beginning of this road section. These barricades left dangerously wide gaps on their sides and between them, which local residents confirmed were routinely used by two-wheelers to enter and exit the road.
The absence of additional barricades further along the stretch encouraged this risky behavior. On Friday morning, following the tragic incident, the site underwent noticeable changes. Green safety nets had been installed around the deadly pit, along with a divider and concrete pipes intended for sewer line installation. A crane parked nearby also helped block off the area.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Delayed Safety Measures
"It is only after the incident that the green netting has been put up," stated Rajesh Kapur, a local resident. Several other residents gathered at the site echoed this claim, emphasizing that while some barricades existed previously, they were insufficient in number and spacing. Ample space remained for two-wheelers to slip through the gaps.
Adjacent to the fatal pit lies a narrow, uneven passage that two-wheelers reportedly use to circumvent the excavation. This path is covered with slush and loose, muddy soil, creating a surface slippery enough to cause motorcycle skids. A delivery rider who regularly uses this stretch confirmed that many two-wheelers take this shortcut to avoid heavy traffic on the main road, which remains consistently congested.
Multiple Unprotected Pits Along the Road
Just a few meters beyond the pit where Kamal was found, TOI observed several other excavations that still lacked proper guardrails. These unprotected pits extend right up to the road's end, where only a DJB board and two large concrete pipes serve as warnings to commuters about the lurking dangers.
Local residents claim this road, named after the father of 56-year-old Sant Meet Singh, has been repeatedly dug up over the past year. Singh, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for four decades, described constant construction activity. "It has been going on for nearly a year. The pit into which the man fell had been dug only two days earlier," Singh revealed.
History of Infrastructure Problems on the Stretch
Singh recalled a previous incident near the same location in 2024 when a section of the road collapsed, creating a massive sinkhole after a sewer-cleaning truck passed through. "Residents have been urging the authorities to replace old sewer lines and repair the road properly," he added. "The stretch feels cursed—it is constantly dug up for one project or another."
Poor Lighting Compounds the Danger
Lighting conditions along this stretch raise additional safety concerns. A streetlight near the fatal pit reportedly malfunctions frequently, leaving the area nearly dark at night. This poor illumination makes it difficult for commuters to spot potential hazards, according to local residents.
The combination of open pits, inadequate barricading, poor lighting, and slippery terrain has transformed this Janakpuri stretch into a genuine hazard zone. Residents are now demanding sustained safety measures and permanent repairs, warning that without systemic improvements, similar accidents could easily recur.
