The Hindu 31.08.2009
MCD blames contractor for senior citizen’s death
Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI: The tragic death of 78-year-old Trilok Nath Makan after he fell into a pit dug up for installation of a streetlight pole in Malviya Nagar here has raised questions over the safety measures adopted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi at such digging sites in the city.
According to MCD spokesperson Deep Mathur, the pit was dig up for erection of a streetlight on the central verge on Shivalik Road in Malviya Nagar and was part of the Commonwealth Games project for up-gradation of streetlights undertaken by a contractor on behalf of the civic body.
“As per the safety protocol, there should be proper barricading on all sides, warning sigh-board, coverage of pit with wooden planks and adequate lighting at such digging sites. But since none of them was in place in this case, prima facie it seems to be case of sheer negligence on the part of the contractor. A report will be submitted by MCD engineer-in-chief in three days and appropriate action as per rules would be taken against the contractors or the civic body official whoever is found guilty.”
Several residents allege that no such safety measures are actually put in place on the ground leaving scope for accidents.
According to S. N. Aggarwal, a resident of Kailash Hills in East of Kailash, the incidents points to a complete lack of sensitivity on part of the administration and the civic body. “It is the civic body’s duty to ensure that all pits are covered and warning sign boards put up near digging sites if the digging is on for a few days. Once such incidents happen some token measures such as an enquiry is ordered but the main problem of negligence remains unaddressed.”
