Locals fear health hazard as slow work of cleaning drains has made area a breeding ground for mosquitoes
Most of the drains near Dhake Colony at JP Road, Andheri West, have been lying open for the last two months. Pics/ Sameer Markande
Two months ago, when the BMC first began repairing drainage pipes on JP Road in Andheri West, residents were all too hopeful about the clogged lines finally being cleared. Today, however, they have come to regret the civic authorities’ move as not only are the pipelines far from being fixed, drains opened for repair work haven’t been shut yet. This, residents claimed, has made the area a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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Repeated complaints to civic authorities to speed up repair work have also fallen on deaf ears. "In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of mosquitoes in our homes due to the open gutters in the vicinity. Societies are being penalised for having mosquito-breeding spots inside their premises. But, what happens when the civic body is reckless? Whom should we turn to then?" asked Sanjay Kaushok, one of the residents from Dhake Colony, which is the worst affected.
During a visit to area, mid-day found open drains, running alongside Dhake Colony’s brick fence. Filth from the drain had also been piled up on one end. While the open drain has rendered the stretch unusable, hawkers, who earlier occupied this road, have shifted to the main road, leading to traffic congestion in the area.
Anand Shirali, chairman of the society, said, "We are not against the work, but how long should it take is the question. Moreover, there is no coordination between the different agencies of the BMC. A group of people opened the gutter and cleared the garbage, but all that filth has now been piled up in one corner. Nobody has bothered to clear it. Also, the drains are at least five feet-deep, and any child could risk falling inside."
Prashant Gaikwad, ward officer of the K West ward was unavailable for comment.
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