Incomplete stormwater drain poses danger

A square opening in the drain measuring 5 x 5 feet is open, running to a length of 250 metres, with drain water flowing below it with great force. There is no warning board or fence around it. The area is largely dominated by slums. With the absence of an open space around, the spot is used for playing by children and for walking by adults.

“Imagine the plight of any child who might fall into it,” pointed out Mohammed Zain, a resident. Ex-corporator from Shivajinagar, Shujauddin agreed that this spot poses potential danger and needs to be attended to. The two ends of the drain too have been left open making it more dangerous.

The expansion and reconstruction of the drain was initiated in August last year but it is now way behind schedule.

“Another bridge construction work is being carried out near the Charminar Masjid. Due to that project, the work at Nala Road has been stopped temporarily. It will be continued when work near the Masjid gets completed,” the ex-corporator added.

MLA Roshan Baig elaborated on the two major bottlenecks encountered since the commencement of SWD project. “There was a huge rock formation inside the drain and its demolition took some time. The other stumbling block was the unexpected rains during October and November last year,” said Baig.

Good quality work
“There has been a delay due to unseen circumstances,” he said. However, the residents are satisfied with the progress being made, as the quality of work is good, the MLA claimed.

However, most people from the locality are clueless regarding the halting of the work.

“The half-open drain is conducive for breeding mosquitoes. The stench that emanates from it causes nausea among passersby,” they opined. Afroz, who runs a shop near the drain said, “Work has been very slow. There has been no progress in work since August 2.”

However, Roshan Baig assured that the work would be completed within 25 days.