Gurgaon: Commuters using the Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road are at the risk of falling into an open stormwater drain, work on which has been under way for over a year now. With foggy days ahead and no signage or barricadesto warn commuters, lives are at risk as the road isnt adequately illuminated, locals said. The stretch witnesses heavy traffic flow as several offices and residential complexes are dotted along it.A visit to the spot by TOI revealed that the incomplete drain, which had a deadline of September this year, is uncovered at multiple places. At some places, garbage is being dumped into the drain, choking it.The construction of the drain started over a year ago but MCG hasnt completed it till date. There is always a risk of accidents because of the open drain, especially at night, as streetlights are mostly defunct here. Since we know about the drain, we avoid it, but someone who is new to the area can easily fall into it, said Vikas Kataria, a resident of Sector 21 who commutes daily on this road. As the drain is not fully constructed, stagnant water emanates a stink and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This open drain is a recipe for disaster if no corrective measures are taken on a priority basis, said Lalit Yadav, another commuter.Locals also pointed out irregularities in the work. The wall of the drain collapsed after one spell of rain. Also, the municipal corporation didnt follow the due process and later built the RCC drain on a small section of the road. They have even reduced the drain size. I have raised the matter on the CM Window, but no action has been taken so far. There are several irregularities which need to be investigated thoroughly, said Bhim Singh Yadav, president of Sector 22B RWA. When contacted, a senior MCG official maintained they have floated a tender for the construction of the remaining portion of the drain and a work order is likely to be issued within a week. We originally planned to build the drain using bricks. Later, it was decided to build an RCC drain. While we have constructed most of it, some portions could not be completed due to rising costs. Work will be allotted soon. We will install barricades promptly to avoid any mishaps, the official added. We also published the following articles recentlyGMDA begins fencing open drains to avoid accidentsGurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has started fencing open drains in the city to prevent waste dumping and fatal incidents. Fencing work has been completed in Udyog Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bhimgarh Kheri, Ghadouli Village, Pave City 2, and along Badshahpur drain on NH48. Approximately 4.5km drain length is to be fenced, with 2.5km already completed. The purpose is to maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safety along the drainage network. GMDA is installing grills up to 6 feet high to protect human and animal life.While drains helped other placesThe newly laid stormwater drains in Chennai were put to the test on Wednesday night. The network of drains helped prevent waterlogging in many neighborhoods, including Ekkattuthangal, Guindy, Arumbakkam, and more. The highways department constructed stormwater drains on the Inner Ring Road, which successfully directed rainwater into the SIDCO canal and eventually into the Cooum. However, Arumbakkam faced minor inundation due to encroachments obstructing the flow of water. Similarly, the drains built by the GCC in Puzhuthivakkam, Madipakkam, and Velachery last year also ensured minimal flooding. However, AGS Colony in Velachery experienced stagnation due to a malfunctioning pump. The functioning of the drains depends on the capacity and condition of the canals they flow into.

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