Mon Mar 17 18:06:12 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Corporation Faces Backlash After Another Death in Open Drain
**Kozhikode, Kerala, March 17, 2025** – The Kozhikode Corporation is facing intense criticism following the death of a 60-year-old man who fell into an open drain on Sunday. This latest incident is one in a series of similar accidents over the past decade, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by uncovered drains throughout the city.
The deceased, identified as Sasi, fell into a drain on MLA Road in Kovoor. While the Corporation claims most drains are now covered, numerous open drains remain, including those near Kanakalaya Bank, St. Joseph’s School, and on Mavoor Road. These pose a significant risk to the public, as evidenced by several previous fatalities and numerous injuries.
P.C. Rajan, Chairman of the Corporation’s Public Works Standing Committee, acknowledged the ongoing issue, stating that a project to cover drains is nearing completion. However, he admitted that some drains, like the one where Sasi died, are too large to easily cover. The Corporation plans to install guardrails as a preventative measure.
Despite the Corporation’s claims, photographs show several open drains throughout the city. To address public concerns, the Corporation utilizes the “Azhak Kozhikode” mobile application. Citizens can report open drains by geo-tagging and submitting photographs. The application then notifies users once the issue is resolved. However, the frequency of these incidents raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the Corporation’s response and its commitment to public safety.
First Piper 