Srinagar, Dec 19: Failure of the authorities to clean a major drain at Mandir Bagh, Baghat-e-Barzulla area is taking heavy toll on the inhabitants as the colony has turned into a cesspool of sewage water.
 In absence of regular cleaning over the years, the drainage system in the area has been rendered defunct. The problem has been compounded as the drainage water seeps into many residential houses causing immense inconvenience to the inmates.
 “The drainage problem has turned our lives into a hell. Irked by failure of the concerned authorities to clean up the drain, many people have migrated to other places,” the aggrieved inhabitants said. 
 “We cannot venture outside our homes as the main lane is filled up with sewage water,” said a local while pointing towards the waterlogged lane.
  “If the problem is not immediately addressed, there is every possibility of outbreak of diseases. Our children are already suffering from various water borne infections,” they said.
 Nazir Ahmad, an inhabitant said during rains human excreta overflows in the lanes. “Due to this our children are not able to attend schools and coaching classes,” he said.
 Another resident Bashir Ahmad said the problem has affected social relationship of the inhabitants. 
 “We are facing a type of social boycott due to drainage mess. Most of our relatives and friends have stopped to visit us as lanes in our locality are inundated with sewage water,” he said.
 Locals claimed that recently Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had visited the area and directed concerned officials to repair the drainage system. 
 “But there was no compliance of his direction. Even Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam visited our area and issued a statement that he has released Rs 40 lakh for repair of the drainage system. But on ground nothing has been done,” locals said.
 According to locals, the drain was constructed four year ago by the Roads and Buildings department.
 Locals also blamed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation for failing to undertake regular cleaning of the drain. “Concerned SMC staff has never cleaned up the drain as a result it has been choked,” they added.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST