Danger does not always come speeding down the road - sometimes it waits silently beneath your feet or from the front. The next accident may not be caused by reckless driving - it could be caused by official negligence. Across the city, open distribution boxes on footpaths have turned everyday walkways into potential death traps. Within the monsoon intensifying, these exposed utility boxes pose an even greater threat as rainwater seeps into them, raising fears of electrocution, falls and other serious accidents. Several distribution boxes near Ravi Nagar, Dhantoli, Dharampeth, and many more, that house electrical, telecom, or cable infrastructure, have been seen with missing, broken or partially open covers along busy roads, residential colonies and market areas. These exposed boxes pose a risk to vehicles parked nearby. During heavy rainfall, water logging often conceals the openings. Residents say the issue has persisted for weeks, with little or no action from the authorities. Many questioned why the boxes were left open after maintenance work or why damaged covers had not been replaced immediately.

 

“It is frightening, especially during rains. Officials don’t realise the danger unless it is too late,” shared Anita Sharma, a commuter. Because of the negligence by authorities, a senior citizen died of electrocution in Ward 30 on Wednesday. An electric current leaked into accumulated water during the torrential downpours. Still, the authorities do not seem to be waking up and understanding that their apathy is risking the lives of innocent citizens, many of whom have already registered complaints regarding these issues. This has exposed a lack of coordination among civic agencies and utility service providers responsible for maintaining such infrastructure.

 

If these boxes were opened for repairs, why were they not secured before workers left? If the covers were stolen or damaged, why were temporary barricades or warning signs not installed? Such questions remain unanswered. When ‘The Hitavada’ contacted Yogesh Vitankar, Deputy Public Relation Officer (PRO), Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Nagpur Circle, stated that he is aware about the situation and shared that the company has been standing on its toes to prevent any other accidents in future. People are equally to blame as they have no civic sense. Some people deliberately steal the doors and sell them.

 

If someone sees an open distribution box then they can contact the Toll Free Nos. People’s cooperation and understanding would help manage things properly,” he stated, and claimed that most complaint received by the department have already been addressed, and the remaining ones will be taken care of soon. But the question remains about why have no preventive measures been taken yet? With the monsoon expected to continue over the coming weeks, residents are demanding an immediate citywide inspection of all distribution boxes, replacement of damaged covers and strict accountability for agencies responsible for public safety. Until corrective action is taken, every uncovered distribution box remains a silent reminder that a preventable tragedy could occur with just one careless step.