Open drain puts residents in a spot

Open drain puts residents in a spot

The Hindu

They have to put up with mosquitoes, stench

BANGALORE: The residents of 24th Main, 27th Cross in Banashankari 2nd Stage in Ganesh Mandir ward have been living with unbearable stench. The reason: A storm water drain in front of their houses, which had been opened by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) men for repairs a month ago, has been left unattended to.

Seepage of drainage

To make matters worse, a portion of the road adjoining the storm water drain collapsed two days ago. This has resulted in seepage of drainage into the compound walls of at least five houses on this road.

Minor cracks have developed on the foundation of these houses and the inside walls have become damp. The open storm drain has also become a breeding area for mosquitoes.

"Most of us are senior citizens and not in a position to run about to get things done from the civic agencies. Despite this when I complained to a top BMP official, he made me run from pillar to post. Finally, I was asked to contact the jurisdictional assistant engineer. All that he did was to visit the area and ask the contractor to expedite the work," K.S.P. Shanbag, a resident said.

He pointed out that because of the cracks, water from the sump in his compound seeped into the drain. K.R. Chandrika, a housewife, said the BMP did not complete the work they started. "They have already opened it four-five times in the past one year. Our friends and relatives do not like to visit us because of the stench," she said.

Health problems

Parimala T.P., another housewife complained of continuous cough, cold and wheezing problems because of the dampness.

Jurisdictional BMP assistant engineer Manje Gowda said the work would be completed within 15 days. "The portion of road collapsed while digging the earth for constructing the retaining wall. To prevent water from seeping into the compound walls, we are putting a strong concrete bed in the drain. This will stop percolation of water and also prevent other problems," he said.

The drain work was part of the annual programme of works in the ward. It was being done at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh, he said.