Viral Video Forces Civic Action After Open Manhole Exposed in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar

Gaurav cyclewala's complaint highlights civic lapses as authorities respond after social media outrage.

(Source: Times Now)

Road safety begins with helmets and seat belts, yet safe roads matter equally. Recently, several incidents exposed negligence by contractors across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Consequently, public concern over civic accountability has grown significantly in urban areas.

In Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, a resident spotted an open manhole on a busy road. Therefore, he immediately called Delhi Police and shared the exact location details. However, despite waiting more than thirty minutes, no official arrived at the spot.

 

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Citizen Steps In, Records Video

The man, identified as Gaurav Cyclewalla, recorded the entire episode on video. He later uploaded the footage, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms. Moreover, in the clip, he referenced a recent fatal accident in Rohini. He emphasized the urgent need to repair the open manhole before tragedy struck again.

 

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p data-start=”1413″ data-end=”1678″>Gaurav described himself as a cyclist, traveler, writer, and lawyer in his bio. Although several handles labeled him an engineer, no official confirmation supports that claim. Nevertheless, his focus remained firmly on public safety rather than personal identity.

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Authorities Respond After Online Outrage

Gaurav first posted the video around February 12, drawing significant public attention. Two days later, he revisited the same location and found the manhole unchanged. Meanwhile, Delhi Jal Board officials reportedly contacted him regarding the complaint.

However, they informed him that the issue fell under the Municipal Corporation jurisdiction. Subsequently, he filmed civic workers removing roadside vendors instead of fixing the manhole. Therefore, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with misplaced enforcement priorities publicly.

Social Media Pressure Builds Momentum

Soon after, the video circulated widely on Instagram and X platforms. Additionally, the handle @IndianGems_ reposted the clip with pointed commentary captions. Consequently, Delhi Police tagged Delhi PWD in response to public queries.

Delhi PWD clarified that the matter related directly to the Municipal Corporation. Therefore, the conversation shifted toward MCD’s responsibility in resolving the issue. Eventually, Central Zone MCD officials responded through their verified account online.

Civic Authorities Confirm Repair Completion

The MCD Central Zone account confirmed that authorities resolved the problem successfully. They stated that the corporation remains committed to improving civic infrastructure. Furthermore, they thanked citizens for raising concerns that improve public safety standards.

In his third video, Gaurav revisited the site expecting unchanged conditions again. However, this time, he found the manhole properly repaired and secured. Consequently, he acknowledged the fix as a small but meaningful achievement.

Citizen Accountability in the Digital Age

This incident highlights how civic vigilance can drive accountability effectively. Although institutional delays often frustrate citizens, digital visibility accelerates administrative response. Moreover, social media increasingly acts as a bridge between governance and citizens.

Public safety requires coordinated responsibility among multiple civic departments. Therefore, clear jurisdiction and swift coordination remain essential for urban governance. While the repair resolved this specific issue, systemic efficiency still demands attention.

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A Small Victory, A Larger Message

Gaurav ended his manhole series after confirming the repair publicly. Nevertheless, his videos sparked wider discussions on road safety and civic duty. Ultimately, this episode demonstrates that responsible citizens can influence governance outcomes.

As cities expand rapidly, civic infrastructure must keep pace consistently. Therefore, authorities must respond proactively rather than react after viral pressure. Meanwhile, citizens continue playing a vital role in strengthening urban accountability.