New Delhi – A 32-year-old man died on Tuesday evening after falling into an open drain in Rohini, a district in the north-west of the Indian capital. The incident, which occurred near the Mahashakti Kali Temple in Sector 32, has reignited concerns about inadequate civic infrastructure and safety standards in the city, coming just days after a similar tragedy claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Janakpuri.

Authorities were alerted to the incident at approximately 7:45 PM local time. Rescue teams from the Delhi Fire Services were dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead. His identity has been confirmed as Birju Kumar, a labourer originally from Samastipur district in Bihar state, according to local residents.

The circumstances surrounding the fall are currently under investigation. Initial reports suggest Kumar, along with a friend, had been walking along the road when he slipped and fell into the uncovered drain. His friend, identified as Suraj, stated that both men had consumed alcohol the previous night and that the incident occurred while returning to their temporary accommodation. Suraj reportedly delayed reporting the incident, only informing authorities the following afternoon after regaining sobriety.

This latest incident follows the death of 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani on February 6, who died after falling into a 15-foot-deep pit in Janakpuri. Dhyani’s death sparked public outrage and prompted questions about the oversight of construction and infrastructure projects within the city. The proximity of these two incidents, occurring within a span of just four days, has intensified scrutiny of Delhi’s urban development and maintenance practices.

According to reports, a police call regarding a missing person, suspected of falling into a sewer, was received at Begumpur police station around 2:36 PM on Tuesday. Amir Hussain, a resident of Darbhanga, Bihar, reported that his friend, Budhan Das (also known as Suraj), had fallen into a manhole on vacant land owned by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Das and Birju Kumar, both labourers, were reportedly returning to their dwelling when the incident occurred.

The DDA, along with the Fire Brigade and other relevant agencies, have been informed and are cooperating with the police investigation. Authorities have secured the area surrounding the drain and have initiated a formal inquiry to determine the factors that contributed to the tragedy.

The recurring nature of these incidents raises broader questions about the safety of public spaces in Delhi. Open drains and unattended excavations pose significant risks to pedestrians and commuters, particularly during periods of low visibility. The lack of adequate safety measures, such as proper fencing or warning signs, has been cited as a contributing factor in both the Janakpuri and Rohini incidents.

Local residents have expressed frustration with the apparent lack of responsiveness from civic authorities. Sunil Kumar, a resident of the area, told reporters that he identified the victim as Birju Kumar and that the man hailed from Samastipur, Bihar. He also claimed that authorities were slow to respond to the incident, alleging that he had to personally contact emergency services to ensure a rescue operation was launched.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the ruling party in Delhi, has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, alleging serious lapses in civic safety. AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj has called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and demanded accountability from those responsible for maintaining public infrastructure.

These deaths underscore the challenges facing Delhi as it undergoes rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. Balancing economic growth with public safety remains a critical priority for city officials. The incidents also highlight the vulnerability of migrant labourers, who often reside in informal settlements and are disproportionately affected by inadequate infrastructure and safety regulations.

The investigation into Birju Kumar’s death is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the recovery of the body or the timeline for the completion of the inquiry. However, the incident is certain to fuel further debate about the need for improved safety standards and greater accountability in the management of Delhi’s urban landscape.

The recent tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting basic civic infrastructure and the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus now shifts to ensuring that lessons are learned and that concrete steps are taken to safeguard the lives of Delhi’s residents.