Residents of 3 societies in Chittaranjan Nagar worried that the under-construction foot over-bridge that is being built over a nullah could cause water to overflow and flood the area
Residents of Rajawadi Cooperative Housing Society, Pramod Cooperative Housing Society and Vidya Cooperative Housing Society at Chittaranjan Nagar in Vidyavihar (East) have expressed their apprehensions over the construction of a new foot-over-bridge (FOB) at Vidyavihar station.
The under-construction FOB at Vidyavihar station. Locals feel that the structure would lead to flood-like situation during monsoon, as it is being built on a nullah. Pic/Sameer Markande
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Residents claimed that the bridge is being built over a nullah, and explained that the structure could choke the nullah during monsoons and lead to floods in the area. They also said that cleaning the drain could lead to overflowing during monsoon.
A resident of the Pramod Cooperative Housing Society said, “Last monsoon, railway tracks were flooded due to the drain water, resulting in disruption of services. If the railways continue with the construction work over the nullah, it will lead to a lot of problems for the residents in this area as dirty water will enter our compounds.”
Congress corporator Pravin Chheda from ward number 124 said that last year the party had opposed construction of the FOB. “The BMC authorities inspected the site and issued a stop-work notice to the railway authorities. The railways halted the work for a while, but resumed it a couple of months ago. I will raise the issue at the upcoming Standing Committee meeting and ask for necessary action to be taken.”
He added that the railway authorities had assured him that they would either increase the height of the bridge or decrease its length to avoid the problems, but did nothing. Currently, Vidyavihar station has only one FOB. The residents feel that another FOB is a must, but not at the cost of an overflowing nullah. They want the authorities to devise another plan to avoid flooding during monsoons.
When contacted, Assistant Municipal Commissioner (N-ward) Vijay Kamble said he was unaware of the issue. “I am not aware of the issue as I took charge recently,” Kamble said. Central Railway PRO A K Singh said he would have to discuss the issue with his superiors before he commented on it.u00a0
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