Sector 61-62 service road develops sinkhole, caves in

A 300-metre stretch of the service road along the Sector 61-62 master dividing road caved in over the past two days after heavy waterlogging caused by rain that lashed on Tuesday and Wednesday

A 300-metre stretch of the service road along the Sector 61-62 master dividing road caved in over the past two days after heavy waterlogging caused by rain that lashed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The road, opposite Ullahwas village, has also developed a sinkhole measuring around 10 feet by 15 feet, rendering the entire stretch unusable until repairs are carried out. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

The road, opposite Ullahwas village, has also developed a sinkhole measuring around 10 feet by 15 feet, rendering the entire stretch unusable until repairs are carried out.

According to residents, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) had constructed around two kilometres of the service road along the Sector 61-62 master road nearly two months ago.

Locals said the road began to subside on Tuesday evening after a large volume of rainwater accumulated on the stretch. They said the damage worsened gradually over the next two days. The service road between HBR Chowk and Nanda Chowk has been temporarily blocked using a pipe to prevent vehicular movement.

Vikas Kumar, who works at a shop along the service road, said the damage began after Tuesday’s heavy rain.

Residents said at least 100 shops located along the damaged stretch have been affected, severely disrupting access to the establishments.

A resident of Ullahwas village, requesting anonymity, said the road had not only caved in along the drain but had also cracked in the middle.

“The road has broken in the middle. We expect the authorities to construct roads that survive for at least two to three years when they are built using public money. There are a number of shops along this road and their access has also become difficult,” he said.

The damaged surface also affected vehicles. A truck deployed by GMDA got stuck after its tyres sank into the damaged road. A private car parked outside an office was also left stranded as its owner was unable to drive it out of the muddy surface.

GMDA chief engineer Pravin Chaudhary said the stretch was being barricaded to prevent vehicular movement and would be repaired soon.

“The road was apparently damaged due to the settlement of a sewage drain constructed recently along the service road. The road is being barricaded and it will be repaired soon,” he said on Thursday afternoon, adding that the concerned official had been directed to inspect the damaged stretch.

Meanwhile, GMDA has launched a dedicated 24x7 helpline under its integrated complaint handling system for the monsoon to ensure prompt redressal of complaints related to waterlogging and other civic issues.

GMDA chief executive officer PC Meena said residents can register complaints on the 24x7 helpline numbers 1800-180-1817 and 0124-2653908.

Complaints can also be submitted through WhatsApp on 7840001817 by sharing details of the issue along with photographs. Residents may also give a missed call on 9873353224, following which a call centre executive will call back to register the complaint. Grievances can also be lodged through the GMDA portal, by email, or via the My Gurugram app, said officials.

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