Open drains in Panchkula remain a serious hazard despite repeated complaints

Even after the sad death of a nine-year-old girl who fell into an open drain, civic officials in Panchkula have done little to prevent more such accidents. Open drains and manholes are still visible in many parts of the city, posing serious danger to people walking or commuting, especially during the rainy season.

The girl had gone with her elder sister to the bus stand to meet their father on Saturday. While walking through Vishwakarma Colony, she fell into a drain that was hidden from sight because of flooding. The water had filled the area so much that the open pit was not visible.

This tragic incident should have been a wake-up call. But just a day later, on Sunday, another dangerous drain was spotted in Sector 12-A of Panchkula. Near Parshuram Bhawan, a footpath had a large open drain filled with dirty rainwater. There was no cover or warning sign. If someone passed by during heavy rain or at night, they could easily fall in and get injured or worse.

Rain makes city roads worse

On Sunday, heavy rain added to the city’s problems. A part of the road near the popular tourist spot, Cactus Garden in Sector 5, collapsed and turned into a sinkhole. This sudden break in the road created a risky situation for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Several other parts of the city, like Sector 19, reported waterlogging. The blocked drains and poor drainage system meant that rainwater collected quickly and flooded roads. People found it hard to travel and feared accidents.

Open drains not only make walking dangerous but also increase the risk of diseases. When water mixes with garbage and filth in open drains, it spreads harmful bacteria. In rainy weather, these become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies, leading to dengue, malaria, and other illnesses.

Residents of Panchkula have expressed anger over the condition of roads and open drains. Many say they feel unsafe walking even on footpaths. “We don’t know if the next step will land us in a pit,” said a resident of Sector 12-A. “What is the point of paying taxes if we are not even safe in our own neighbourhoods?”

People are especially worried about children and elderly family members. “My son walks to school. After hearing about the girl’s death, I don’t want to let him walk alone anymore,” said another local parent.

Despite these concerns, civic authorities have not issued any official response about repairing or covering the dangerous drains. The open drain near Parshuram Bhawan remained uncovered even after the child’s death had been widely reported.

Experts say the city needs an urgent survey to identify all open manholes and drains. “A detailed inspection must be carried out. These areas should be covered or at least cordoned off properly until they can be fixed,” said a local civil engineer.

Police warn people about riverbanks

With rainfall increasing, the Ghaggar river is also rising. The river is known to flood during monsoon and can overflow into nearby low-lying areas. To avoid any emergency, police teams conducted physical inspections along the Ghaggar riverbanks and nearby settlements.

The police are worried that people may ignore the danger and go close to the river during this time. “We are warning citizens not to go near the riverbanks unnecessarily,” said a police officer. “The water level can rise quickly, and such carelessness can be deadly.”

Authorities fear that if the rain continues, flooding may occur, especially in places like Sector 4, Sector 19, and other low-lying colonies along the Ghaggar river.

Police patrols will continue in these areas for the next few days, and any suspicious movement near the river will be closely watched. The administration has also alerted local rescue teams to be ready in case of any emergency.

The incident in Vishwakarma Colony is not the first time someone has been injured or killed due to an open drain in Panchkula. But so far, civic agencies have failed to act quickly. After such a tragedy, many expect the Municipal Corporation or Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to step in and fix the issue.

Experts suggest the following immediate steps:

• All open drains and manholes must be identified and either covered or marked with warning signs.

• Areas that are most affected during rain, such as footpaths and bus stops, should be given priority.

• Emergency helplines should be made active and citizens must be encouraged to report unsafe spots.

• Special teams should be sent out during heavy rain to inspect roads and ensure no new hazards have developed.

• CCTV footage in sensitive areas can help track accidents and prevent future mishaps.

Many residents have taken to social media to highlight dangerous spots in their neighbourhoods. Photos and videos of open drains have been shared with hashtags like #PanchkulaUnsafe and #FixTheDrains. They are hoping this will pressure the administration to take action.

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Drains must be covered before more lives are lost

Open drains are not just a cleanliness issue—they are a safety hazard. The death of a nine-year-old should not be forgotten. Civic authorities must take full responsibility for the condition of roads and public walkways.

There needs to be a long-term solution, not just temporary fixes. City planners and engineers must design drainage systems that are covered, well-maintained, and regularly checked, especially during monsoon months.

Parents in the city are scared. Pedestrians walk in fear. This is not the way a planned city should function. Authorities must act now before another innocent life is lost to an avoidable accident.

For now, citizens are being extra careful and avoiding flood-prone areas. But they are also watching the administration. People say they want safety, not promises. If action is not taken soon, public protests and legal complaints may follow.