Hyderabad: A young girl fell into an open manhole in the Old City of Hyderabad, prompting the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to accept responsibility. The incident happened on Thursday morning in Maula-ka-Chilla, Rein Bazar. Initially, there was confusion over who was at fault, with GHMC, HYDRAA, and the Water Board involved.
A V Ranganath, the HYDRAA Commissioner, stated that a preliminary investigation took place on Friday. He acknowledged HYDRAA’s responsibility and promised to hold the responsible team accountable. “We will identify those at fault and take strict action,” he said.
Following the investigation, two DRF supervisors were demoted, and two members of the Monsoon Emergency Teams were dismissed.
GHMC officials visited the child’s home to check on her condition. They revealed that a HYDRAA team had opened the manhole for desilting on Wednesday but left without replacing the cover. The civic body informed HYDRAA about this and urged them to prevent such occurrences.
Initial findings indicated that Water Board staff completed the desilting but left the manhole open. On Wednesday evening, second-shift maintenance staff tried to cover it, but locals stopped them, claiming the work was unfinished. HYDRAA has urged residents to stay alert and report open manholes. Concerns can be reported by calling 9000113667.
