The footpath near the Ajni Clock Tower, running parallel to Central Jail premises upto Rahate Colony Square, was revamped for walking and cycling, with seating areas, greenery and lightings by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as a project undertaken for the C20 Meet held last year. An open sewage line running parallel to the pedestrian path, constructed to connect the Central Jail drainage to the NMC sewage system, has been clogged resulting in stagnant sewage and a foul odour emanating from the drain. It was known that the construction process itself led to the clogging as the debris were dumped into the sewage line, resulting in the blockage of the flow of sewage. This not only goes against the aesthetic appeal of the footpath but also creates a health hazard and inconvenience for public who use the path for walking or for sitting on benches.

 

The residential quarters for the jail staff located nearby are also facing problems due to this issue. The situation is further compounded by the accumulated mud and stagnant water under the Ajni Clock Tower, and the fountain beside with unclean stagnant water adding to the permeating unpleasant smell in the vicinity. “The Central Jail administration has sent three to four letters to the NMC requesting repairing of the sewage line, however, no proper action has been taken. On one occasion, a small team arrived and conducted minor repairs which unfortunately worsened the blockage. Despite submitting multiple letters to the NMC officials, the issue remains unresolved,” said Jail Superintendent Vaibhav Aage. The visual constrast at the Ajni Clock Tower footpath is striking. From afar, the path is a picture of clean and lush green, drawing public for a stroll or to sit for a while on benches placed over the footpath.

 

However, as one approaches, the overpowering odour of sewage hits instantly. So, leaving this specific portion which remains unusable due to the unpleasant smell, the citizens limit their walks to the remaining area, and those sitting on a bench find themselves choosing spots away from the odour. With the monsoon season approaching, the clogged sewage line poses a potential health hazard and threatens to worsen the situation further. The nearby residents are hoping for a swift response from the authorities to resolve the sewage blockage and to ensure the public’s well-being.