HAVERI: In a tragic turn of events, a 9-year-old boy, Nivedan Gudageri, drowned in a roadside drainage canal on Old PB Road, prompting the suspension of two officials. The suspended individuals are Parashuram Chalavadi, the Commissioner of Haveri City Municipality, and Ramesh Munjoji, a Junior Health Inspector.
The suspension order was issued on Thursday by District Collector Vijaya Mahantesh Danammanavar, who also appointed Veeramallappa Poojari, Commissioner of the Urban Development Authority, as the acting Municipal Commissioner.
The unfortunate incident took place in the 3rd Cross of Shivajinagar, located in the 9th ward of the municipality. A banyan tree in the area had been removed at the request of the Municipal Commissioner for drainage expansion purposes. However, after the tree’s removal, the drainage area was left uncovered, leading to the child’s fall and subsequent drowning.
The order cites that both officials were found guilty of dereliction of duty, specifically for failing to ensure that the drainage area was adequately covered post-removal of the tree.
District In-charge Minister Shivanand Patil expressed his deep sorrow regarding the incident and instructed that the responsible officials face suspension. The suspension order highlights negligence, irresponsible behaviour, and dereliction of duty as the primary reasons for the action taken against the Municipal Commissioner and Junior Health Inspector. Under the Natural Calamity Act and Karnataka Civil Service Act, both officials are now restricted from leaving their headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority during the suspension period.
This tragic incident underscores the critical need for increased vigilance and accountability in public works to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community is calling for stricter regulations and better management practices to ensure the safety of public spaces, particularly around hazardous areas like drainage systems.