Strict Action if People Found Operating Manhole Covers

 Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) along with police on Tuesday warned people against opening or operate manhole covers during the rain, and that those who ignore the advise will be punished.

People often open manholes to clear stormwater on the streets, causing untoward incidents including human and animal casualties.

If any manhole cover is damaged or found to be open, complaints should be reported by calling customer care number 155313 or directly contact the nearest water board offices.

Department officials said it was an offence under the HMWS&SB Act of 1989, for a citizen or unauthorised person to open or remove the lid of a manhole without the permission of the authorities.

Strict action will be taken if anyone violates this. A criminal case will be registered against such people. In addition to fines, the accused may also be jailed.

Safety grills have been fixed on more than 25,000 manholes including deep manholes. Those on the main roads were sealed with covers and red paint applied.

Emergency response teams (ERTs) and safety protocol teams (SPTs) vehicles have been deployed. Protective equipment is provided to the personnel working at field level.

The vehicles assigned to these teams have a dewatering motor with a generator. All of them work vigilantly in their respective areas. These teams mainly focus on water-logged areas. Along with these, mechanised sewer cleaners are also available. The silt taken from manholes is removed from time to time.