Directs Engineers to repair all hazardous manholes with compliance reports

Mysuru: Following the Star of Mysore report, ‘Elevated manhole claims man’s life!?’, published yesterday on the death of a 48-year-old man in a road accident, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has swiftly repaired the manhole at the accident spot.

K.S. Hariprakash, a resident of Bogadi Second Stage (South), died after suffering serious head injuries when the two-wheeler he was riding hit a protruding manhole on the night of Sept. 6. The incident highlighted the hazards posed by incomplete and unscientific underground drainage (UGD) works in the city. The accident occurred around 11 pm when Hariprakash was returning from Sharadadevinagar towards Bogadi Second Stage via High Tension Road.

Following the report, the accident spot has now been barricaded, with caution tape put up to prevent further accidents. The manhole area has been dug up and levelled with the road, eliminating the earlier protrusion.

Commissioner’s directive to Engineers

Soon after the report was published, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha issued a stern directive to Engineers over the hazards caused by uneven manholes and unscientific UGD works.

In a circular dated Sept. 12, 2026, she noted that several manholes across the city were either raised above or sunk below road level, posing a serious risk to motorists.

The circular points out that despite a monthly allocation of Rs. 1 lakh per Ward for drainage maintenance, Engineers had failed to carry out repairs properly.

The MCC Commissioner has directed that strict safety measures be followed at all work sites. Barricades, caution tape & clear signboards indicating alternative routes have been made mandatory. Roads can be reopened to traffic only after inspection and proper levelling of manholes.

Reports on completed drainage works must be submitted within three days and certified by Executive Engineers. Immediate rectification of raised or sunken manholes has also been ordered. The Commissioner warned that any lapse  would be treated as dereliction of duty and would invite disciplinary action.