Incomplete pre-monsoon works posing big threat to citizens
| Date :18-Jun-2019 |
By Kaushik Bhattacharya:
Pre-monsoon works that should ideally get over before the onset of monsoon are yet to be completed. In fact, most such works are left midway. Every year, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) undertakes the task to de-silt and clean nullahs and sewage lines before monsoon. This year, due to model code of conduct for general elections, the work got delayed.
(1)The civic authorities are least bothered to cover up the trench before monsoon on VIP Road.(2)An excavator engaged in desilting work of Nag River bed near Mokshadham. (Pics by Satish Raut)(3)Another choked and broken sewer line in New Cotton Market area in front of Ganeshpeth Bus Stand.
The civic body has missed the June 10 deadline while the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted onset of monsoon in the State this week. Already behind the schedule, NMC has not made special efforts to make over the lost time. Ongoing Maha Metro, cement road work, NHAI’s flyover project and SNDL’s works are adding to the inconvenience faced by the citizens. The widespread development works would definitely become nightmare for Nagpurians once monsoon hits the region. While the authorities concerned are claiming that they are ready to handle any serious situation, the ground realities are scary. Cement roads and patch work of roads with pothole have only worsen the situation as most of the sewer inlets for rain water were blocked.
Even footpaths were not spared. SNDL, while laying underground cables, dug up well constructed footpaths and failed to fill up those properly. Post such works, many footpaths have become uneven. Due to this apathy, commuters are sure to face inconvenience during monsoon. NMC’s Health Department (Sanitation) claims to have accomplished the task of cleansing (de-silting) Nag, Pilli and Pohora rivers while works are on in a small patch. When ‘The Hitavada’ took a tour of the city, picking areas randomly, and found the ground reality in contrast to NMC’s claim. Even after de-silting and cleaning of rivers, many slums and low-lying areas face water-logging during monsoon every year. When contacted, Dr Sunil Kamble, Health Officer (Sanitation), said, “There are 239 small nullahs in city.
Of these, 238 have already been cleaned by the administration. Similarly, out of 16,338 IRDP chambers on sewer lines, 15,448 are cleaned and the remaining work will be completed in next four days.” Dr Kamble claimed that NMC has established an emergency control room with a toll free number -- 18002333764 -- for citizens facing problems during monsoon. Hot Mix Plant Department of NMC that repairs potholes across city, believes that city roads have about hundred potholes and all will be repaired before monsoon. The civic body’s claim is mere an eye-wash as condition of roads in many areas is very poor. If one starts counting potholes on roads in city, one is sure to continue counting beyond thousand.
SNDL has undertaken underground cable laying work at VIP Road without even bothering about proper barricading the stretch. The stretch of VIP road from Central Mall to Kachipura Square is dug up by the contractor. In the process, workers damaged the roadside drainage line. Residents and road users have to face heavy traffic while commuting on the road, the situation becomes worst during office hours. One spell of heavy rains is enough to expose the tall claims of the authorities concerned which does happen every year. This year, the situation may get serious as the work of lying underground high tension wire remains incomplete. People do want the city to have a facelift but not at the cost of their inconvenience. The authorities concerned should plan the project and stick to their schedule.