Citizen Connect: Leaking sewage troubles road users, poses health hazard to residents

Sewage leaking on a plot owned by a temple trust at Balaji Nagar in Anakaputhur id posing health threats to both residents and commuters.

The stench of the leak on the property which is located between 12th Street and 14th Street of Balaji Nagar is troubling hundreds of motorists who travel through the area. In addition to the smell, the stagnant sewage water is encouraging mosquito breeding in the area. Residents said that the authorities have not taken any action despite several complaints.

Residents, especially those living on the ground floor, are unable to open the windows due to the stench and mosquitoes. K Sriram, a resident of Balaji Nagar 12th Street, said that the sewage leak started a couple of weeks ago and continued till Monday.

“Residents throw garbage on the plot and makes the issue even worse,” he added. It is claimed that a few officials inspected the area that soon after a complaint was registered. “They also promised the issue will be solved soon,” he said, adding that almost 10 days passed without any action.

A senior authority of Anakaputhur Municipality admitted that the leak was huge and was detected at the end of the land. “We have already escalated the issue to higher officials. It will be repaired in one or two days,” he said. He added that it is the landowners’ responsibility to fence the property to discourage residents from dumping the garbage. The pile of garbage makes things more difficult for the officials.

P Dharshini, a resident near the plot in question, said strays feed on the garbage dumped there and ads to the nuisance in the area.

“People who throw garbage should be fined,” she said, adding that officials find it difficult to identify the lawbreakers since they throw garbage at night time.

She added that the land has been vacant for several years. “During winter, we used to see snakes and other reptiles often,” she added to the long list of problems created by the plot. She also urged the authorities to instruct landowners to clean the area and properly fence it for a permanent solution.