While most people are waiting for the rains to gain relief from the rising heat, there are some who are way of the advent of the monsoon.
The residents of Haripur Kalan near Prem Vihar Chowk dread the rains despite rising summer heat because choked sewers in the area cause major problems for them during the rains.
Despite several complaints to the civic officials, the authorities have failed to solve this issue for the past nine years. The area adjacent to Prem Vihar has a sewer line but no connections have been given since long, alleged the residents.
The sewage line which was installed in the area during Kumbh Mela 2010 is leaking from several places and overflows during monsoon season, making the life of residents difficult.
The cemented road made over the sewer line has covered the chamber lids completely without giving a chance for anyone to lift and check the leakages in the choked line.
It is alleged by the residents that the sewer line is not laid properly which leads to difficulties every rainy season.
Notably, in the year 2010, as part of the Kumbh Mela works, the project of laying sewer line was undertaken. The Peyjal Nigam had constructed it while a government order after 2016 transferred the project to Jal Sansthan.
When asked about the problem, the Jal Sansthan general manager Nilima Garg said, “The process of making connections to the already laid sewer line is on.
We shall soon give the residents sewerage connections.”Ajay Kumar of Ganga conservation unit said that as far as overflowing of sewer line is concerned, it happens all through the city during the rains.
Whole of the water drainage system is connected with sewer system so the drainage pipes cannot hold storm water and they overflow. As such, the water table in Haripur Kalan area is quite high and de-silting machines are installed so that they can take away the choking material to avoid overflowing.
Social activist Rameshwar Gaur said, that following the complaint of residents, even an official was suspended a few years ago.
Crores of rupees have gone down the drain under Namami Gange project to build the sewer line but the problem remains unresolved.
The road made from Sitaram Chowk to Geeta Kutir is covering the sewage line chamber lids.
For the past one month the machines which clear the choked material are standing idle, no action has been taken even to clear the drains before rainy season comes. Come July, and the sewer water overflows on the roads.
Housewife Pratima Puri said that a recently built temple of international fame inaugurated by state CM is just 500 metres away from this place which is visited by foreigners throughout the year.
The overflowing sewage is not only bothering the residents of the area but also the visitors who carry the image of filthy India back home during rains.
“We have complained to the Gram Pradhan many times but to no avail.Every time we get an assurance that the budget is passed and soon the new sewer line shall be laid. That day is yet to dawn,” she said.
Businessman Arvind Kumar said, “We are staying in this area for the past many years. The problem is recurring and the residents have complained innumerable times to the authorities.
The officials claim that sewer connections shall be made soon but when the sewer line is not made in correct manner, what is the point in giving connections. We are so close to the national highway but this area is neglected as far as basic amenities are concerned.
Due to higher level of water table in the region, and heavy silt caused by rain water from Shivalik hills, drains overflow even after light rain. The machines installed to remove congestion are defunct. It causes mess in rainy season.”