Ludhiana: A 68-year-old man narrowly escaped death on Monday after his electric scooter plunged into an open storm sewer pit, reigniting a fierce debate over municipal safety and stalled infrastructure projects in Punjab’s industrial hub.The incident marks the fourth major “narrow escape” in recent years, highlighting a pattern of open craters and incomplete works that continue to swallow vehicles. The victim was rescued by onlookers near the Tootian wala temple in Shivpuri after falling into a trench excavated by the municipal corporation (MC) for manhole construction. While residents have slammed the “lethargic” pace of roadworks, civic officials shifted the blame to commuters, alleging that warning signs and road closures are being ignored.Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the elderly man lost control of his scooter while navigating the perimeter of the construction site. The man and his vehicle fell directly into the deep excavation. Nearby shopkeepers and commuters formed a human chain to pull the victim from the pit. Even though the man was able to walk to a waiting e-rickshaw, witnesses have said he appeared to be in shock and was complaining of significant internal pain before being taken to a local hospital.The incident has highlighted a deepening rift between the community and the MC over a project that has reportedly dragged on for four months.The Residents’ CaseLocals claim the main thoroughfare has been dug up for nearly a quarter of a year, forcing residents into long detours. “They are laying a storm sewer line at a snail’s pace,” one shopkeeper said. “Unless this work is finished on a war footing, more victims are inevitable.”The Official DefenceSubdivisional officer (SDO) Kamal Ram has stated that the pit was dug on Sunday night with construction scheduled for Monday morning. “The road is closed to vehicular movement, but people do not read the boards,” Ram said. Following the accident, officials confirmed the stretch has now been completely sealed, even to pedestrians.Allegations of ‘Wasteful’ SpendingThe project has also come under political fire. Former councillor Sunita Rani recently filed a formal complaint with the MC commissioner, alleging a “wastage of public funds.” Rani claims a storm sewer was already laid on this exact stretch during the previous govt’s tenure. However, MC officials defended the new work, explaining that the old system drained directly into the Buddha Dariya. During heavy rains, the river would back up, flooding the neighborhood. The new project links the system to a disposal facility, allowing water to be mechanically pumped out during overflows.
