Deccan Chronicle 25.11.2009

Bengaluru
Nov. 24: Acting on a report that appeared in Deccan Chronicle on October 4, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will replace corroded underground drainage pipes to prevent overflowing drains and water contamination at Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor.

The project estimated to cost Rs 1.6 crore will come as a relief to residents of Cambridge Layout 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th crosses, where open wells and borewells had been contaminated by the sewage water due to corroded pipes which are more than 50 years old. BWSSB officials said an underground drainage pipe with a capacity of 1,600 mm will be laid connecting Challaghatta Valley to Cambridge Layout. Work has already begun and replacement of the pipe which will stretch across 650 metres will be done within three months, said a BWSSB engineer.

The second leg of the work is likely to begin in the next 10 days, he said. Underground drainage pipes near Isro Layout and Adarsha Theatre will also be to prevent sewage from entering the stormwater drains (SWDs) and contaminating drinking water. Care will also be taken in areas where utilities like electricity wires and drinking water pipes are running, added the engineer.

“Flooding has been a perennial problem and it aggravates during the monsoon season. The roads have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and hence, children and senior citizens fall sick very often,” said A.B.S. Ramani, a resident of Cambridge Layout. After this newspaper had carried a report highlighting the difficulties faced by the residents of Cambridge Layout, MLA of the area M.A. Harris had paid a visit to the area with other officials and promised to replace the defunct pipes and ensure safe drinking water.