The New Indian Express 05.10.2010
Woes galore in Rajagopalanagar
Majority of areas of Rajagopalanagar ward face acute shortage of drinking water. Some people were seen carrying water in plastic pots from distant places. Private water suppliers are exploiting residents by demanding premium amount. “We are facing lot of problems due to the shortage of drinking water here. We have to buy water by paying ` 2 per plastic pot,’’ says R Mohan, a resident.
Most of the drains are either filled with silt or choked with debris. For example, a concrete slab on an open drain was damaged a few weeks ago but the BBMP authorities are yet to replace the same. “No one has attended to the problem even after four weeks. It will be difficult for motorists to use this road at night,’’ said K Rashmi, a resident.
The other problem is the lack of underground drainage (UGD) facility. The residents have to dig up pits for sanitary purposes. Due to the lack of UGD facility, the residents let waste water into open drains. “We have to spend Rs 2,000 once in three months to clean pits. We request the BBMP authorities to pressurize the BWSSB to provide UGD facility in this area,’’ says Jayamma, a housewife.
The residents also face several problems due to mosquito menace. Many of them are suffering from fever. “The open drains have become a breeding place for mosquitoes. The BBMP authorities have not yet done anything to solve this problem,’’ says a housewife on anonymity.
Meanwhile, H N Gangadhara, corporator, has said that the `110-crore underground drainage work has been assigned to L&T. “The work will commence within 10 days. The work was supposed to commence a few weeks ago but was delayed to avoid inconvenience for the residents during monsoon,’’ said Gangadhara.
On the acute shortage of drinking water, the corporator says Rajagopalanagar ward is yet to get the Cauvery water supply. “Thirteen borewells were dug up to mitigate water shortage at this ward. Efforts are being made to improve the water supply. As of now the water is being supplied three days in a week,’’ the corporator said.
