Scared of dengue, locals raise a stink over stagnant water

Residents of Dheeraj Heritage Residency II in Santacruz (West) are being forced to pump out the water that keeps accumulating in their society; allege that despite sending numerous letters, BMC is yet to take action

Scared of dengue, locals raise a stink over stagnant water

Residents living in Dheeraj Heritage Residency II, a swanky Santacruz (W) society, are in deep water these days. The stagnant water inexplicably accumulating in their society on a daily basis, and the BMC’s apathy in rectifying the problem, is making their home a perfect breeding ground for dengue-spreading mosquitoes. Left with no other option, they have to arrange for the water to be pumped out at frequent intervals.

Residents complain that the accumulated water in the car park of their society is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Pic/Satyajit Desai

Residents allege that the society has been writing to the BMC ward office, but authorities are yet to take any action.

Their woes began two months ago, when they noticed waterlogging in the basement of the building. When the plumber failed to plug the problem or identify the cause, the desperate residents started writing letters to the BMC for help.

Residents have also claimed that the BMC is yet to explain the reasons for the waterlogging. “We are clearing almost 5,000 litres of water which gets accumulated in the basement and then spreads to the compound. But the civic body has still not taken any action,” said a resident of the society.

“Our major concern is that this water is a breeding ground for dengue-spreading mosquitoes. We have approached the BMC time and again for help as small children play in the society and could contract diseases but we are yet to receive any answer from the authorities,” complained another resident.

Puneet Singh, chairman of the society, said, “The stench emanating from the accumulated stagnant water is unbearable. As the chairman, I have done all that I can and have also written to the BMC. We were able to manage the stink, but the rising cases of dengue and malaria is worrying.” Echoing Singh’s sentiments, another resident of the society said, “We are forced to park our cars out on the road even though we have basement parking.”

Sunil Dhamane, assistant municipal commissioner of the H-West ward, said, “I will ask my staff to look into this matter as early as possible and give them an appropriate answer soon.”u00a0

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