LUCKNOW, Oct. 9 -- A road cave-in near Tedhi Pulia has once again brought attention to the deteriorating condition of the city's underground sewer network and alleged departmental negligence. The depression, large enough to swallow a four-wheeler, was caused by continuous leakage from a 1,000 mm sewer line that weakened the soil beneath, authorities said on Wednesday.

A Lucknow Municipal Corporation official claimed the problem had been visible for days before any action was taken. "The cave-in kept expanding, but no one acted until it became serious between Monday and Tuesday," the official said.

The Jal Nigam and Jalkal departments have barricaded the site and begun preparations to repair the damaged line.

During an HT ground visit o...