The Times of India 21.08.2012
Residents claim foul play in storm water drain project
CHENNAI: The huge sums of money allocated for repairing storm water drains in the city, it appears, are literally going down the drain. Many contractors are simply repairing existing drains instead of building new ones and streets continue to be flooded, sources say.
A contractor meant to
build a storm water drain after demolishing the existing one at an
estimated cost of 45.76 lakh in Secretariat Colony near Kilpauk just
repaired the existing drain, sources say.
Residents say the
haphazard repairs are causing a big problem. Says R Govindarajan of
Secretariat Colony: "If they don't construct the drains as per the
project approved and sanctioned under the JNNURM
(Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) it will be a waste of
taxpayers' money. According to the project, the contractor should
demolish and construct the storm water drain. Here, this is being
violated."
A sudden spell of rain is enough to flood the entire
area. "During two successive spells of heavy rain on August 21, 22 and
August 24, 25 last year, all streets in the colony were flooded and
houses were inundated," says Govindarajan.
M G Devasahayam,
social activist and former civil servant, alleges a huge scam in the
project. "The civic body has failed to monitor the works. There should
be a detailed inquiry," he adds. When contacted, a senior corporation
official said: "We are working hard to complete most of the drains
before the monsoon. We will look into the allegations and take necessary
action."
Experts say that if contractors don't build new
drains, silt will be deposited and cause flooding. "Most contractors are
using only 30% of the money allocated for the storm water drains," said
a city-based expert. The contractors, it is alleged, simply plaster the
wallsas part of the repairs. "Huge damage has been done to walls of the
drain, but they just applied a coat of plaster," says a resident.
Others claim the storm water drains are being converted into sewerage
lines that becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
