Jr engineer sacked after child dies in open drain
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday ordered the immediate dismissal of a junior engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department after a young girl died after falling into an open drain in Mukundpur in the Bhalswa Dairy area. Calling the incident deeply disturbing, the Chief Minister said negligence in matters involving public safety, especially children, would not be tolerated, and responsibility would be fixed on all officials found at fault. The action came hours after the death of the child triggered outrage over the condition of uncovered drains in the locality.
In an official statement, the Chief Minister said the Government had taken the matter with utmost seriousness and moved swiftly against the concerned official.
On her directions, the contractual junior engineer posted with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department was removed from service with immediate effect.
The Chief Minister said the death of the child was not merely an unfortunate accident but a reminder of the grave risks created by administrative carelessness. She said every department concerned with civic infrastructure has been asked to conduct an urgent survey of open drains and other unsafe spots falling under their jurisdiction.
According to the Chief Minister, all such vulnerable points that pose danger to life and property must be identified, and corrective work must begin without delay. She made it clear that future lapses would invite direct accountability. Officials who fail to take preventive steps despite clear instructions will face strict action, she said.
The Chief Minister also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said the government stood with them in this difficult period. She said ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again would be the most meaningful response to the loss of the child.
The development follows the death of a two-year-old girl in Mukundpur after she allegedly fell into an open drain near her house while playing on Sunday evening. Police had said the child had stepped out of her home in Ishu Vihar and suddenly went missing.
