Ghaziabad Civic Hazards: Unsecured Work Sites Create Dangerous Conditions
While the tragic death of a software engineer in Noida last weekend has sparked widespread outrage over civic negligence, leading to the removal of the Noida Authority CEO, similar hazardous conditions continue unchecked across parts of neighboring Ghaziabad. Residents in multiple areas report dangerous infrastructure work that remains unsecured, creating what they describe as accident-prone environments.
Indirapuram's Dug-Up Roads and Open Drains
In Indirapuram, several arterial and internal roads have remained dug up for months, with open drains, loose debris, and complete absence of barricading. Municipal contractors carrying out drainage and other civic works have left trenches exposed and construction material piled along roadsides across residential colonies, commercial hubs, and school zones.
With no reflective markers, warning signage, or protective barriers in place, residents said navigating these stretches has become particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and two-wheeler riders. The situation worsens during foggy nights when visibility is reduced, making these unmarked hazards even more treacherous.
Deepak Kumar, a resident and president of the Federation of Apartment Owners' Associations, expressed frustration over the prolonged nature of these civic works. "Development work is necessary, but the pace is mostly extremely slow. Roads remain dug up for months, and there are no barricades, reflectors, or barriers. This is a serious safety risk," he stated.
Specific Hazard Locations and Resident Concerns
Near Saya Zenith society on the CISF Link Road, where a long-pending drainage project is finally underway, residents report particularly dangerous conditions. Drains nearly 10 feet deep have been excavated along the roadside, yet the site remains completely unsecured.
Manish Gupta, a resident of the area, described the nighttime dangers: "During the night, especially on foggy evenings over the last two months, these open drains became extremely dangerous. Only one gate of the society is functional for both entry and exit, and the open drain is right next to the ramp leading to the gate."
Two-wheelers are routinely parked just inches from the edge of these deep pits, while pedestrians are forced to navigate narrow, uneven stretches. Pritam Kathodiya, another resident, acknowledged the necessity of the drainage work but emphasized the safety oversight: "This work was mandatory and we're glad it's finally happening. But there has to be basic safety. Anyone can slip and fall into the drain."
School Zone Dangers and Administrative Response
A stretch leading to Cambridge School campus was dug up months ago for a drain-laying exercise but never properly repaired. A senior administrative official at the school expressed concern for children who walk to school, noting they face real risk of slipping or falling on broken stretches filled with stones and dust.
"I have complained repeatedly through the IGRS portal and written to local engineers and officials, but nothing has changed," the official stated, highlighting the lack of response to safety concerns.
In nearby Shalimar Garden, where ageing drains are being replaced along Wazirabad Road, several stretches have been dug up with large concrete drain segments placed along the roadside without fencing or warning signs. Resident Neeraj Tyagi reported: "There have already been near-misses. A bike almost fell into an open drain recently. Even after that, no safety measures were put in place."
Administrative Directives and Accountability Measures
On Thursday, the district administration directed all departments to urgently identify accident-prone structures and locations. These include under-construction malls and high-rise buildings, incomplete or damaged bridges, open pits, exposed sewers and drains, water bodies, and damaged road dividers where corrective action has long been overdue.
District Magistrate Ravindra Mander, chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, stated that the recent tragedy in Noida had underscored the dangers posed by unsafe infrastructure. "Such incidents show how lethal unprotected construction sites and waterlogged structures can be," he emphasized. "All departments have been instructed to conduct strict inspections, identify hazardous locations, and take immediate preventive steps. Any negligence will invite accountability."
Departments have been asked to submit detailed lists of hazardous sites along with proposed corrective measures by January 25. A review meeting has been scheduled for January 27 at the collectorate, with final action plans due by January 30.
Contractor Accountability and Safety Deadlines
Municipal commissioner Vikramaditya Malik announced that contractors had been warned of consequences if they fail to secure work sites properly. "Contractors have been directed to ensure proper barricading and safety wherever work is underway. If this is not done by January 26, the area's junior engineer will also be held responsible, not just the contractor," he stated, establishing clear accountability measures.
The situation in Ghaziabad highlights the broader challenge of balancing necessary infrastructure development with public safety, particularly when projects extend over months without adequate safety measures. Residents continue to navigate these hazards daily while awaiting the promised administrative action to secure their neighborhoods.
