In Guwahati, a tragic accident has highlighted serious safety issues in the city’s infrastructure. Recently, a five-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an open, under-construction drain near his school. The incident happened in the Kalapahar area when the young boy was playing outside. Despite efforts by police and locals, he couldn’t be rescued in time and was declared dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
This heartbreaking event has sparked anger among residents and raised questions about the city’s safety measures. Many blame civic authorities for leaving dangerous, uncovered drains in busy residential areas. Adding to the problem, reports also mention that some manhole covers are being stolen at night, making the streets even riskier for pedestrians.
Following the tragedy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered officials to take immediate action. He instructed the Chief Secretary to use satellite images to identify open drains, especially those near building sites. The goal is to find and fix these hazards quickly, preventing any future accidents.
The same day, another safety concern came to light in Kahilipara, where an elderly man named Fuljeet Sharma fell into an unsafe, under-construction roadside drain. He suffered serious leg injuries in the accident, showing that inadequate safety measures are a city-wide problem.
Authorities say they have handed over Sunit Kumar’s body to his family, and his final rites were performed in the evening. The incidents have put a spotlight on poor planning and lack of oversight in Guwahati’s civic management.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed grief over the young boy’s death and assured the public that accountability will be taken seriously. He promised steps will be implemented to improve drainage safety and prevent such tragedies in the future. The incidents remind everyone of the urgent need for better infrastructure and safety awareness in Guwahati.
