Entire Data Darbar project team suspended after mother, child fall into open manhole

A tragic incident near Bhati Gate, close to Data Darbar, where a mother and her daughter fell into an open sewer manhole, has shaken the city.

Following the incident, the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) took strict action and suspended the entire team working on the Data Darbar project.

The suspended officials include the Project Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director and Sub-Engineer. Earlier, only the Project Director and Deputy Director had been suspended, but the action has now been expanded to the full project team.

The LDA Director General has also directed that an immediate criminal case be registered against the contractor.

A show-cause notice has been issued to the contractor, with the DG expressing strong displeasure over the negligence.

In addition, the private company working on the project and Nespak’s Resident Engineer have also been served show-cause notices.

The suspension of Nespak’s Resident Engineer has been recommended, along with departmental action and a formal inquiry. Authorities have decided to include the role of the Nespak team in the project as part of the investigation.