Citizen Connect: Decade-old leaky sewer lines plague residents, motorists in Ambattur’s Balaji Nagar

The residents of Balaji Nagar in Ambattur are exposed to sanitary issues as the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro Water) refuses to clean the clogged sewage lines.

D Udhayakumar, a resident of Balaji Nagar Second Street, off Padi Kuppam Road said that the clog in the line results in leakage of sewage on to the road. “Due to this, we are suffering for several years. There is a manhole in front of my house, and we are the worst affected. We have an elderly person and children in our house. They are now exposed to diseases,” he added.

Udhayakumar also explained that the sewage lines were created more than 10 to 15 years. The residential area that housed a small population is now grown substantially and the number of residents also have increased. The older sewer line could not carry the sewage as its capacity to carry is low.

He alleged that the Metro Water officials are refusing to clear the clog and maintain the sewage line. “We are facing this problem for several years. Now, the frequency of clogging increased due to population. Whenever we request the Metro Water officials to clean the drainage, they refuse to do so claiming that the sewage line was not constructed by them,” he said.

As the Metro Water refrain from removing the clog and maintain the sewage line, residents are shelling money out of their pockets to clear the clog.

“Even on Tuesday, we brought workers to fix the sewage leak. Once in every two months and in the monsoon season, this problem arises. The Metro Water should take permanent measures to stop the leakage,” Udhayakumar urged.

Apart from the residents, the motorists also expressed discontent as the road has become slippery due to the sewage leak. “Two-wheeler riders, who are unfamiliar with the road have more chances of skidding and hurting themselves. The Metro Water should maintain the sewer line until it constructs a new one,” S Kumar, a motorist said.

When asked a Metro Water official, he said that the water manager has taken up underground sewage works in the area and the problem would be addressed after the completion of the works.

“The works would be completed in February. After that, we would take over the sewer line for maintenance and provide new connections,” he assured.