Though the condition of roads and footpaths in the city is deteriorating day by day, the authorities concerned have failed to take suitable action. Poorly maintained footpaths and broken slabs over drains are some of the common problems that the people face.
Similarly, open drains in the city are posing a threat to the lives of school children in the wake of school reopening. Speaking about the problem, Deepak, a van driver, said: “It is difficult to park the vehicles that pick up and drop school children as the drains are uncovered even now. People are finding it difficult even to walk along the roads.’’
Despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no action has been taken till now. “The situation will turn worse with the schools reopening next month and the looming monsoon. Children are left with no option but to step into the drainage water if any heavy vehicle passes by the road. We had requested the authorities to cover the drains with slabs, especially in the East Fort area, but in vain. The authorities are showing negligence when it comes to addressing the grievances of the common man,” said Syamala, a regular commuter.
‘’Broken slabs are placed haphazardly over the open drains, into which are dumped solid waste materials. Children catch minor skin infections just by coming into contact with this drainage water,” said Prameela, a resident of East Fort.
When contacted, PWD officials said that they had already started the pre-monsoon cleaning works. “Immediate action will be taken if any such cases are reported. We will complete the work as fast as possible, especially near schools. All pre-monsoon cleaning works will be completed soon,” said PWD Executive Engineer Rajeendra Babu.