Activists mull legal action as uneven manholes pose danger to motorists

Hubballi: The manhole covers put on some roads by the corporation protrude at least by 6inch above the road, compelling the motorists to apply brakes while passing over them. It becomes all the more difficult while passing through roads having such manhole covers at every 100m.
Irked by such unscientific covers, some organisations and activists are mulling of launching legal action in public interest.
Harshavardhan Sheelavant, a social thinker in Dharwad, said that the covers are either at a depth of 1foot or above the ground level at many places. “Myself and my wife were about to have a fall at Gandhi Chowk. But an alert by a nearby street vendor saved us,” he said.
Though many bikers have had a fall after tripping over the covers, such incidents go unreported. “But victims suffer long-term internal injuries on spine or suffer slip disc. Vehicles too get damaged,” he said, and demanded that the contact details of the authorities/ contractors who are behind such unscientific covers be displayed so the aggrieved public can approach them in case of any eventuality.
Basavaprabhu Hosakeri, president of Janaadesh, a legal services organisation, said that he is planning to file a suit before Legal Services Authority to sensitise the civic authorities. “There is a strict order from the Supreme Court in the case of Ratlam Municipal Council vs Vardhichand and others to ensure amenities for citizens. However, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is least bothered in this regard — its apathy is seen everywhere in the twin cities,” he added.
Suresh Kiresur, an engineer and activist, said that the authorities had installed iron covers in the past. “As they were being stolen, the authorities started using cement covers. Good-quality ones can sustain for 50 years. However, the ones being used in the city are sub-standard and can’t even last for more than five months. If aggrieved motorists approach police, they will be treated as rash and negligent riders/ drivers. Nothing will be spoken against unscientific road conditions,” he rued.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said that he will look into the issue and take necessary steps wherever it is required. “Organisations and people are requested to inform HDMC control room about spots which they feel are unscientific,” he said.