In a tragic incident highlighting alleged civic negligence, an open drain claimed another life in Odisha’s capital city on Thursday. A man died after accidentally falling into an uncovered drain in the Salia Sahi area under Bhubaneswar, triggering public anger and renewed concerns over public safety and infrastructure management.
The deceased has been identified as Sinu Gagrai, a resident of Salia Sahi. According to local sources, the drain had been excavated by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) as part of an ongoing road construction project. However, it was allegedly left uncovered without proper barricading, warning signage, or safety measures.
Uncovered Drain Turns Fatal
Eyewitnesses said Sinu Gagrai slipped and fell into the open drain, sustaining serious head injuries. Local residents immediately rushed him to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The incident has left the locality in shock, with residents blaming civic authorities for what they described as gross negligence.
Residents alleged that repeated complaints had earlier been raised regarding the uncovered drain, but no preventive action was taken. They further claimed that poor lighting and the absence of warning boards made the area particularly dangerous, especially during night hours.
Residents Demand Accountability
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent issue of uncovered drains and unsafe construction practices in Bhubaneswar, which have reportedly led to several accidents in the past. Despite the seriousness of the incident, no official response or clarification has been issued by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation so far.
Angry residents have demanded accountability and immediate corrective measures to ensure pedestrian safety and prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
