Noida, then Janakpuri, now Rohini: A trail of 3 deaths expose NCR’s deadly civic crisis

Deaths caused by administrative negligence in the National Capital Region refuse to stop. After the death of engineer Yuvraj Mehta in an excavation pit in Noida and Kamal Dhyani in a sewer pit in Delhi’s Janakpuri, another life has been lost – this time, 32-year-old migrant worker Birju Kumar, who fell into an open manhole in Rohini.

Birju’s body could only be recovered nearly 20 hours later, highlighting the scale of official apathy. Originally from Samastipur, Bihar, he was the sole breadwinner for his family of five and worked at a construction site in Rohini Sector 32. “He has three children. Now there’s no one left to earn for the family,” said his roommate Mohammad Armaan.

Locals say the manhole Birju fell into was deep and completely uncovered. Many others in the area have also been lying open for months, with no action taken. Only after his death did authorities hurriedly cover a few – yet residents claim more than 200 remain exposed, turning roads and footpaths into potential death traps.

Our ground investigation in Rohini reveals a disturbing pattern of neglect and raises urgent questions: Which department is responsible? Why are preventive measures missing? Will the family receive compensation? And will anyone be held accountable?

Watch.

Reports like these take time and resources. Help us tell more stories that are in public interest. Subscribe today.