Hubballi Drain Cover Collapse Puts Pedestrians at Risk for 8 Months
A concrete slab covering the Rajanala in Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) Ward No. 65 has collapsed on the main road at Myadar Oni, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians and road users. Residents report that the slab has remained unrepaired for the past eight months, with the HDMC opting to build a barrier instead, which further complicates pedestrian movement.
Longstanding Neglect and Public Outcry
The slab, designed to allow rainwater to flow smoothly, broke in multiple places. Following heavy rainfall last year, one side of the drain completely collapsed, while sewage continuously flows on the other side. This forces people to walk through the middle of the hazardous area, risking their lives daily.
Hundreds of individuals use this route every day, as it serves as the only way to cross the nala. Locals emphasize that the damage has persisted for 7-8 months, and instead of initiating repairs, authorities constructed a wall. The area is densely populated with numerous houses and commercial establishments, yet repeated appeals to corporation officials and the corporator have yielded no results.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
Durgesh Talugeri, a resident of Myadar Oni, highlighted that the concrete cover over the Rajanala collapsed 6-7 months ago. He criticized municipal officials for their inaction, noting that children, elderly people, and women are forced to walk on the collapsed structure, endangering their lives. He urgently called for immediate repairs to the Rajanala.
Chandrappa Gouli, an elderly resident, described how during the rainy season, the drain water level often rises like floods, filling the entire area with sewage water. He expressed frustration over the corporation's idle response, mentioning incidents where cattle have fallen into the drain and sustained injuries, and many children continue to traverse the damaged nala.
Official Response and Promised Action
Sunitha Burbure, HDMC Ward No. 65 corporator, stated that she has brought the damaged concrete of the Rajanala at Myadar Oni to the commissioner's attention. She announced that a tender has been floated for the construction of a new concrete cover worth Rs 25 lakh, with instructions for the contractor to commence work within two days.
This situation underscores critical issues in urban infrastructure maintenance and public safety in Hubballi, highlighting the need for prompt governmental action to prevent further accidents and ensure community well-being.
