Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The poor condition of nullah and inadequate drainage infrastructure in ward no 19 (Saifia College) causes inconvenience like waterlogging in markets and residential colonies. Besides, sanitation continues to be a major problem.
The pathetic condition of the area near Saifia College, which comes under ward no 19, continues to trouble residents. The dilapidated drains have exposed tall claims of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) about keeping the city clean.
Residents informed that in the last rainy season, a car fell into a six-feet drain in the area as there was no barricading. Still, nothing has been done for either barricading or boundaries. There are drains, which have not been cleaned for years. The authority in the area paid no heed. Excerpts of what residents have to say:
Biggest problem
Area resident Irfan said, "The biggest problem has been choked drains for the past several years. The nullahs are wide and very deep, and accidents frequently occur. Waterlogging makes it challenging to see drains during rain. Car and bike skid into nullah.”
Deep & dirty
Mohd Rizwan, a resident, said, "The open drains are the biggest problem. These drains are approximately 6 feet deep and dirty. It is impossible to see them during rain. Snakes and mosquitoes are abundant in areas. Ineffective traffic control, particularly during the monsoon when the streets are waterlogged, worsens the situation and leads to accidents.”
No steps taken
Md. Younis, a resident, said, “Several complaints had already been made to BMC officials but the authority took no steps. During monsoon, people in the area suffer from malaria and other chronic diseases due to accumulated drain water in several potholes and other parts.”
Snake scare
Rehan, a local vendor, complained that the filth from the gutters enter their shop specially during rain. It compels them to shut down the shops, which affects them financially. Snake bites are prevalent in the area. A case was registered in which a snake wriggled onto a resident's legs.”
Drinking water
Another resident Ahmad said, “We don't get clean drinking water, which has been a big issue for years. The local municipal shops become joint for anti-social elements. These impact society negatively.”
