Open drains across Ghaziabad have emerged as a serious safety hazard for the general public, with frequent minor and major accidents being reported on both rainy and dry days. Despite repeated incidents, a permanent and effective solution from the concerned departments is yet to be implemented.
In several parts of the city, drain slabs are broken or missing, while in many locations, drains remain completely open without any warning signs or safety barricades. Visibility of these open drains becomes particularly poor at night and during rainfall, putting two-wheeler riders, elderly residents and children at the highest risk.
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Recent incidents of people sustaining injuries after falling into open drains have once again highlighted the issue. However, officials’ response has largely been limited to temporary repairs or procedural formalities. While the Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments claim to conduct regular inspections and maintenance work, residents allege that the ground reality tells a different story.
In many areas, slabs are loosely placed over drains, and in others, repair work is left incomplete, turning the same spots into hazards again within a few days. Residents have demanded that open drains be fully covered on a priority basis and that accountability be fixed for officials responsible for negligence.
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They have also called for strict monitoring to ensure durable repairs, stressing that only a permanent solution can prevent accidents and make the city safer for its residents.