Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has repaired and levelled a protruding manhole at the spot where a 48-year-old man died in a road accident, following a report highlighting the danger posed by hazardous underground drainage works in the city. The civic body has also directed its Engineers to identify and repair other manholes that are either raised above or sunk below road level.

Manhole repaired after fatal accident

The action follows a report by Star of Mysore on the death of K.S. Hariprakash, a resident of Bogadi Second Stage (South). Hariprakash suffered serious head injuries after the two-wheeler he was riding hit a protruding manhole on the night of September 6.

The accident reportedly occurred at around 11 pm while he was returning from Sharadadevinagar towards Bogadi Second Stage through High Tension Road. He later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident drew attention to the condition of underground drainage (UGD) works in the city, particularly where manholes have not been properly aligned with the road surface.

Accident spot barricaded and levelled

Following the report, MCC officials acted on the manhole at the accident site. The area was barricaded and caution tape was placed to warn motorists and pedestrians.

The manhole section was dug up and levelled with the surrounding road surface, removing the earlier protrusion that had posed a danger to vehicles.

The repair is aimed at preventing similar accidents at the location, particularly for two-wheeler riders who may find raised or uneven road surfaces difficult to spot at night.

MCC Commissioner directs Engineers

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha has also issued directions to Engineers over the safety hazards created by uneven manholes and unscientific UGD works.

In a circular dated September 12, Savitha noted that several manholes across Mysuru were either elevated above the road surface or had sunk below it, creating risks for motorists.

The Commissioner pointed out that ₹1 lakh is allocated every month to each ward for drainage maintenance. Engineers have been directed to ensure that the funds are used effectively and that hazardous manholes are rectified.

Safety measures made mandatory

The MCC has instructed Engineers to ensure that proper safety measures are followed at drainage work sites.

According to the directions, work areas must have barricades, caution tape and clear signboards indicating alternative routes wherever necessary. Roads should be reopened to traffic only after the work is inspected and manholes are properly levelled.

The civic body has also directed Engineers to submit reports on completed drainage works within three days. These reports must be certified by Executive Engineers.

Immediate rectification of manholes that are either raised or sunken has also been ordered.

Warning of disciplinary action

The MCC Commissioner has warned that lapses in following the safety and maintenance directions would be treated as dereliction of duty.

Officials have been told to ensure that drainage works do not leave behind hazards for road users. The directions come against the backdrop of the fatal accident, which has raised concerns over the safety of ongoing and completed UGD works in Mysuru.

The latest action also places greater responsibility on civic Engineers to inspect road and drainage infrastructure before allowing affected stretches to be used by the public.

Focus shifts to other hazardous manholes

While the manhole involved in the fatal accident has now been repaired, the MCC’s broader directive indicates that similar issues may exist at other locations across the city.

The Commissioner has called for immediate corrective action wherever manholes are found to be above or below road level. Compliance reports are also expected from the concerned officials.

The incident has once again highlighted how seemingly small defects in roads and drainage infrastructure can pose serious risks, particularly to two-wheeler riders. The MCC’s latest measures are intended to ensure that such hazards are identified and rectified before they result in further accidents.