Manipal’s bane: Missing drain covers on footpath lane

Udupi: Ever since the concrete slab that made up the footpath got destroyed, pedestrians moving from Manipal’s Syndicate Circle to Tiger Circle are facing a harrowing time.

These footpaths are built over a rainwater drains, over which concrete slabs were laid. However, at many places, the drain covers have been missing for 2 years. But no replacement or repair has been done yet, locals said.

The area is in the vicinity of Nehru Memorial Library which is frequented by students. Moreover, it is difficult to spot the missing cover and anyone can mistakenly fall into the ditch easily. Many have hurt themselves when they accidentally fell into the pit, especially after dusk when light is faint.

The missing covers are also an eyesore. Some have started using the ditch as a garbage bin. Used beer bottles and other scraps are regularly discarded in the drainage which could clog the water channels during the rainy season.

Shivakumar Shettigar, a KMC Employee and a regular visitor to the Nehru library told Udayavani that it’s a shame it’s taking so long to repair a footpath and drain in Manipal which hosts world-class educational institutes which attract foreign students.