Preventive measures go for a toss

Preventive measures go for a toss
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

RMV II Stage, Dollars Colony: While designing their plush homes, residents here also gave serious thought to house-protection gadgets.
No, we are not talking about modern security systems, but iron flood gates, pumps to channel rainwater directly into the stormwater drain and laying of sanitary lines at a level higher than the sewage line. New constructions in the area usually come with added amenities — flood-prevention techniques.
But on Sunday, if you had stepped into Dollars Colony I Cross, you would have been shocked to see how one of the richest colonies in city, despite all the painstaking flood-prevention measures, could be submerged in rainwater.
The downpour was enough for knee-deep water to stagnate for over four hours in this residential area. What’s worse, it entered most of the houses. Sewage water gushed out of manholes even after the rain stopped.
Neurosurgeon Dr R Srinivasa was busy clearing water from his house. Even after the rain stopped, the ground floor was covered with a layer of slush. Residents face this problem every time there’s heavy rainfall, he says, as the area is at a low level.
“There is no proper drainage system in the locality. Rainwater from surrounding areas and Sanjaynagar Main Road flows in here,’’ he said.
There is a collecting chamber in the area but it does not serve the purpose because of its poor design. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents say civic authorities have not paid heed to their woes. “We have written to the commissioner and other civic bodies about our problem. But they have not responded,’’ said Rangaswamy, secretary of Sanjaynagar Welfare Association.
Chikkarayappa, BBMP chief engineer (stormwater drain), who visited the spot, agreed that the drainage system was unable to hold water and said there is a need for extension of drains and separate chambers. “For this, we need to acquire land from the owners. I will speak to the commissioner regarding the project. We need cooperation from residents too,’’ he said.
BWSSB contractor A C Nagaraj blamed the residents. He pointed out that in 80% of the houses, rainwater was let into sewage lines. Thus, the stormwater drain could not hold the excess water.
Some residents have spent from their pockets to set up precautionary measures. Vijendra Bhat explained: “I’ve been living here for the past eight years. I spent Rs 50,000 in getting a floodgate built and pump installed so that water is directed into the drain. But today, we were out when it rained and no one was there to close the floodgates. When we returned, there was water in the house.’’
Sri Vatsan has also taken similar steps to see to it that his house does not get flooded during rain. “When I constructed my house here, I was aware of the problems. So I built the house accordingly. Excess water goes directly into the drain. The toilet lines are at a much higher level than the sewage lines,’’ he noted.