Manholes Up, Drains Down: Mahatma Phule Nagar Residents Fear Monsoon Deluge A newly constructed cement concrete road in Mahatma Phule Nagar, under the Hanuman Nagar zone of Nagpur, has sparked widespread concern among residents due to its deteriorating condition. Within months of completion, the 9-metre-wide internal road has developed severe defects, including raised manholes, sunken drainage outlets, and uneven surfaces, raising fears of waterlogging and accidents ahead of the monsoon season. Residents had previously raised objections to the project, warning that elevating the road would leave their homes at a lower level, increasing the risk of flooding. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had assured them that a properly designed drainage and sewerage system would mitigate these issues. However, these assurances now appear to have been ignored. The road’s surface is marred by protruding manhole chambers that extend above the road level, while drainage outlets in multiple locations lie nearly six inches below the surface, blocking natural water flow. Broken paver blocks and abrupt dips have further compromised the road’s integrity, creating hazardous conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. A resident expressed frustration, stating, “The road has been raised, but the drainage has gone down. Where will the water go?” This sentiment reflects the community’s growing anxiety, as they recall earlier warnings about the project’s potential consequences. Another resident criticized the NMC, saying, “They promised proper planning, but what we see is negligence.” Residents allege that poor coordination between contractors responsible for road construction and drainage work has exacerbated the problem.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #hanuman_nagar #mahatma_phule_nagar #dhantoli_zone #nagesh_mankar
