Open, clogged drain becomes bane for Ramnagar residents

VISAKHAPATNAM: At a time when a spurt in mosquito-borne infections in and around the city has kept the minder of the sanitation on tenterhooks, open drains and stagnant water in Ramnagar has become a matter of serious concern for the citizens.

For months, the residents here have been putting up with the stench emanating from the overflowing drain water and adding to the woes, they have been reeling under the mosquito menace.

Lack of dumper bins in the area has led to dumping of waste into the open drain which leads to clogging of the drain time and again. The drain filled with plastic waste and domestic waste has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, resulting in spread of diseases. Due to the bad drainage system, the municipal authorities placed a bin a few months ago. But this has proved to be ineffective since the people are callous and continued with throwing garbage into the drain.

The bin is cleared once a week while the garbage in the drain is let off.

Raghava, a resident of Ramnagar, said, “On a few days, we have observed the colour of the drinking water turning light red which is harmful for human consumption. Sometimes, when it rains, we also get a bad odour from drinking water which makes it unfit for drinking.” Another resident, adds, “We no more use of the drinking water supplied by the corporation, we have started using the water cans as there is no other choice.” “Mosquitoes in this area have been a persistent problem. The only solution for all the problems is to cover the open drains and maintain cleanliness,” added the residents.  

According to GVMC biologist Y Mani, “Sanitation workers will be soon directed to address the issue. The drain will be cleared on a regular basis and would also be closed to avoid breeding of mosquitoes.”

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com