A major operation to rescue blind dog

A blind dog that had fallen into an open manhole on Avvai Shanmugam Salai in Gopalapuram was rescued in a two-hour-long operation with the help of animal volunteers and the Fire and Rescue Services Department personnel.

Tense moments prevailed at the spot (around 7.40 p.m. on September 25) when a crowd gathered to witness the rescue operation.

According to Kirthana Raamsukaesh, a resident of RA Puram who runs non-profit Hope for Critters, she was informed by a dog feeder from the locality that an adult dog had fallen through the open manhole. The pavement on this road is undergoing an improvement work and has more than four manholes that are connected to a stormwater drain network.

“The particular spot had two open manholes, and a partially open manhole on the opposite side,” says Kirthana. She along with L. Praveen from Mylapore alerted Greater Chennai Corporation officials, Fire Department and the local councillor.

They first called 108 and launched a complaint based on which two Corporation staff came to the spot. The team from Teynampet fire station came but were contemplating whether to get down. “The fire and rescue team helped with opening the covers and seeing if the dog could be spotted from above through the manhole covers and assisted from above,” says Kirthana, adding that a few other animal lovers also joined the rescue team.

The rescue operation became a challenge as the dog after being brought out fell into another manhole. “What should have ended in 10 minutes went on to become a two-hour operation. We had to open all the manholes to block the dog from going to the other side as it was a long drain,” says Kirthana. She said before leaving the spot they ensured the manholes were closed with covers.

The dog is now under medical care and is looking for a home. With both DAV School and National Public School on the same stretch and many using the pavement, the animal feeders want GCC to ensure all manhole covers are kept closed for safety of all — people and animals.