BENGALURU: Residents of Chinnayyana Palya are living for three years with the stench of an overflowing manhole.
The problem, near the BMTC terminus road in Wilson Garden, has not been fixed for three years. Wilson Garden is also known as Hombegowda Nagar, and the overflowing manhole is on 15th Cross.
Suresh, who runs a vehicle number plate shop opposite the manhole, said, “The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Paike says it is the responsibility of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewage Board job to fix the problem.”
After several complaints by citizens, BWSSB officials inspected the spot. They have now ensured the water doesn’t flow on to the road, but it now goes into a storm-water drain.
Samiullah, who runs a motor oil shop in the area, said, “A foul smell emanates from the drain, and children and the elderly often fall ill. Our corporator, who has won four times, lives just a few metres away. He knows about the risks but does nothing.”
The drain is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Diseases such as gastro enteritis and typhoid, caused by water contamination, are common in the area. Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise, he said.
“The officials should act swiftly and fix the overflowing manhole and ensure that only rain water flows into the storm-water drain,” he said.
Traffic Woes
Venkatesh, a social worker living in the area, said the storm-water drain connects to the Bellandur lake.
“When it rains, the manhole turns into a sewage fountain. Waste flows on to the road. The area witnesses jams as vehicle movement becomes slow,” he said.
Sometimes, traffic all the way up to Dairy Circle is affected. A permanent solution must be found, he urged.
In Wilson Garden, complaints are frequent about sewage overflowing from the manholes and on to the streets.
Corporator D Chandrappa said he was helpless as the problem does not come under his purview. “However, I will approach the officials concerned,” he said.
Sewage was diverted to avoid flooding of Sunkal Farm area, Chinnayyana Palya, and the road leading to the BMTC terminus, he told Express.
Raghavendra R, Assistant Engineer, BWSSB, Hombegowda Nagar, claimed he was not aware of the problem, and promised to conduct an inspection.
Pumping Station by March
S M Ramakrishna, Chief Engineer, Waste Water Management, BWSSB, said a waste water pumping station was coming up at the Koramangala Sports Complex. “It has the capacity to absorb 150 MLD sewage from connected pipes. This is a temporary solution, and we board will work on a permanent station in the area,” he said.