An avoidable problem.

Byline: Faraz Ahmed Faiz - Hyderabad

AN open manhole was the cause of a horrible accident in my neighbourhood recently. The motorcyclist who fell into it suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital bleeding and unconscious. There are many such open manholes in our city, which pose a persistent threat to life.

It is not that the civic authorities do not install covers on manholes. The problem is they are stolen soon after they are replaced. Such abhorrent acts have often resulted in distress to passing citizens unfortunate to fall in. The manholes remain uncovered for weeks or months, diligently providing the media with reports of new victims. The...