New Delhi: Frequent deaths due to open pits and drains in Delhi have now become a serious problem. Just four days after a youth died after falling into an open pit in Janakpuri last Friday, another youth has fallen into an open drain in Rohini. Rescue teams and police are still searching for the missing youth, but hope is diminishing.

Incident of falling into drain in Rohini

According to reports, a youth fell into an open drain near Mahashakti Kali Temple in Rohini Sector 32 at around 7.45 pm. As soon as information about this incident took place in Begumpur police station area, Delhi Police and Fire Brigade teams reached the spot. Rescue operation has been started. The official said that the teams are working continuously, but due to the depth of the drain and the strong current of water, the operation is becoming difficult. The young man has not been found yet.

This incident happened at a time when drains and pits are open at many places in Delhi even during the winter season. Locals have been complaining for a long time that contractors leave the site without completing the work, putting their lives at risk.

Mention of Janakpuri incident

Earlier on February 6, a 25-year-old youth had died in a 20-feet deep pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on Joginder Singh Marg in Janakpuri, West Delhi. The young man worked in a private bank and was going on a motorcycle. The pit was not detected in the darkness and he fell straight in. Police recovered the dead body and the motorcycle. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).

The family alleged that there was no signage or barricading around the pit. Local people said that this pit was lying open for many days and complaints were made repeatedly, but no action was taken.

Concern about increasing negligence in Delhi

Both incidents highlight the lack of care and safety standards of infrastructure in Delhi. Open pits on roads, drains and negligence at construction sites have become common. Experts say that strict monitoring of contractors and immediate signage-barricading should be mandatory.

Police and administration have started investigation in both the cases, but the public is raising questions as to how long such deaths will continue. In Delhi, the danger increases due to fog and darkness in winter. People demand that the Municipal Corporation and the departments should immediately run a joint campaign to secure all the dangerous places.