Reel Turns Risky: 22-Year-Old Slips Into Open Drain in Najafgarh

A 22-year-old woman had a narrow escape on Monday evening in southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh area when she slipped into an open drain while attempting to shoot a social media reel spotlighting the very poor sanitation and hazardous drainage conditions that plague many parts of the capital. Police personnel stationed nearby responded immediately, using a rope to pull her out safely. Fortunately, she suffered no injuries, but the incident underscores a recurring urban safety and environmental challenge that goes far beyond a single mishap.

According to officials, the woman identified as Bhawna had positioned herself close to the Najafgarh drain to highlight garbage and waste dumped around it when she lost her footing and fell in. Two police officers present at the scene acted swiftly to rescue her before the situation could escalate.

This episode has reignited public concern over the risks posed by open drains, pits and uncovered civic works across Delhi . Similar incidents in recent months from pedestrians slipping into exposed drains to fatal accidents involving uncovered sewer manholes illustrate that the problem is not isolated to one locality.

Beyond safety, the Najafgarh drain itself has become emblematic of Delhi’s broader environmental and civic infrastructure challenges. Stretching nearly 57 kilometres before emptying into the Yamuna River , it serves as a major channel for untreated sewage, solid waste and pollutants flowing through the city.

Authorities have initiated desilting and mechanised cleaning operations as part of wider efforts to reduce pollution entering the Yamuna. However, residents and urban experts argue that systemic steps including covering hazardous drains, installing protective barriers and strengthening waste management are urgently required.

While Bhawna’s fall ended without physical harm, the incident highlights the dangerous intersection of civic neglect, environmental degradation and public safety risks in rapidly urbanising areas of the national capital.