Citizen Connect: Unattended drainage clog in Subedar Garden poses sanitation threat to residents

Most of the residents in Subedar Garden were slum dwellers who were given houses by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board nearly 40 years ago. “There was a connection to the nearby drainage on Choolaimedu High Road to drain the excess water from the hand pump. But the drainage was clogged several weeks ago,” a resident on the condition of anonymity said. The resident added that repeated complaints to the authorities went unheard and the residents of Second Street are living under sanitation threat.

When DT Next visited the spot, it was found that sewage water is stagnated at the point where the street starts from Choolaimedu High Road. The residents were struggling to avoid the stench emanating water.

The resident added that even though the street has three hand pumps, most of the residents use the hand pump near the corner as the water pressure is comparatively higher there. “Women waiting to collect water have to stand and walk on the stagnant water. Only if the clog is removed, will the excess water drain into the drainage system and therefore there will be no stagnation on the street. But the officials are unwilling to rectify the problem,” he added.

Meanwhile, a nearby shop owner said that since the officials could not find the spot where it has been clogged, they have to demolish the drainage and rebuild it. “So, they are not attending the issue.”

Apart from the clogged drainage, the streets in Subedar Garden are also in a bad shape. Particularly, on Second Street, the bitumen layer is torn off and gravels are loose. “There are 15 blocks of slum board apartments in Subedar Garden. But the attention is lopsided. Authorities should relay streets apart from repairing drainage system,” residents demanded.

When contacted, a civic official assured that he would take necessary measures to clear the clogging and relay streets after the conclusion of the election process.