MCC’s faulty UGD works resulted in tragedy, allege relatives, residents
Mysuru: A 48-year-old man died after suffering serious head injuries when the two-wheeler he was riding hit a protruding manhole on the night of Sept. 6, drawing attention to the hazards posed by incomplete and unscientific underground drainage (UGD) works in the city.
The deceased has been identified as K.S. Hariprakash, a resident of Bogadi Second Stage (South). The incident occurred around 11 pm when he was returning from Sharadadevinagar towards Bogadi Second Stage via High Tension Road.
Residents have alleged that the accident was caused by the poor condition of the road and faulty UGD works. However, the exact cause of the accident and death is yet to be conclusively established.
According to his sister-in-law Kalashree, Hariprakash fell on the road late that night. Passers-by noticed him lying injured with his two-wheeler having fallen on him and rushed him to a nearby hospital, after which his family was informed.
Despite receiving treatment for three days, he succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 9.
Hariprakash leaves behind his wife and three daughters.
Preliminary Police investigation
While it was initially suspected that Hariprakash had lost control of his vehicle, a preliminary Police investigation reportedly indicated that an improperly constructed manhole chamber on the road could have contributed to the accident.
The incident has triggered anger among residents, who have accused MCC of negligence. They alleged that road and UGD works had been left incomplete, with manholes and excavations posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
Several manholes on the stretch are reportedly either protruding above the road surface or lying below the road level. Unfilled excavations and craters, some reportedly up to two feet deep, have further added to the risk.
SOM reality check
A Star of Mysore reality check found similar hazards at several locations in the city including the Old DC’s Office near the Institution of Engineers, where manhole covers have been installed at uneven levels. In some places, the covers protrude four to five inches above the road surface, while in others they are below the road level.
Residents said, raised manholes in the middle of roads can cause two-wheeler riders to lose balance and can also damage cars with low ground clearance. They alleged that commuters often have to suddenly brake or swerve to avoid raised manholes and deep craters, increasing the risk of accidents. Residents have urged the MCC to complete the UGD and road works properly and ensure that all manholes are brought to the correct road level.
Tree fall claimed life in 2024
The latest incident also brings back memories of another fatal accident in the city linked to civic negligence.
On Feb. 6, 2024, 67-year-old Reginald Platel was killed after a branch of a Peepal tree fell on him, raising questions over the MCC’s failure to address the condition of the tree.
Platel, a resident of Roopanagar, was riding his scooter on the road from Kukkarahalli Lake towards Bogadi, passing the Crawford Hall, when the branch fell on him.
The old Peepal tree stood in front of Chandravana, the Government Ayurveda Farm, near the Government Press. The branch that fell was hollow and infested with termites and had extended dangerously over the road.
Special drive to be taken up
I have given instructions to all the Zonal officials. Wherever damaged manholes or drains are found above road level, caving in or overflowing, all such spots must be repaired within a week by launching a special drive. This is the instruction given.
—M.K. Savitha, Commissioner, MCC
This post was published on September 12, 2026 7:30 pm