Under-construction DC office in Mysuru turns cesspool

Overflowing sewage reeks of civic bodies' callousness

The new Deputy Commissioner’s office, coming up near the German Press in Siddarthanagar, has become a cesspool of overflowing sewage water. Residents complain that the sewer problem has been plaguing the area as the building works are incomplete and authorities are refusing to clean up the pipes until the construction is complete.

The stench emanating from the cess pool has made life miserable for residents, college and school students in the vicinity as prominent institutions like Kendriya Vidyalaya, Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) and Regional Museum and Natural History (RMNH) residential layout are located in the area.

The overflowing and stagnating sewage has turned the area into a mosquito breeding centre. The area is frequented by a large number of people including school children who have to pass through the stretch every day. The residents nearby complained of recurring health issues caused due to the open sewage. Further, the death of two dogs after they fell into the open sewers triggered anxiety among the residents here.

Residents told DH that the area had been abandoned by civic agencies as neither the district administration nor the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) had bothered to address the problem. When contacted Subramanya, the Executive Engineer for underground drainage, however, promised that sewage would be cleared within a day. “I have directed the contractors to take up works on a priority basis,” he said.

A resident of RMNH residential area, also an employee of RMNH said it has become extremely difficult for residents to live in the area as the stench is unbearable. The residents have complained that the situation worsens during night time due to a steady breeze forcing them to cover their nostrils to avoid the stench while passing the stretch. At a time when measures are taken to prevent mosquito menace across the city, the callousness of the civic authorities has allowed insects to indiscriminately breed here, the resident said.

“Though the DC’s office is coming up no authorities have bothered to clear the sewage water,” she said and mentioned that when she approached the authorities they claimed that the sewage water would be cleared only after completion of construction works of the DC office building. “We have been supporting the development works for two months now but it is impossible to tolerate it till the works are completed as the building construction may for couple of years more,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent of Postal Training Centre K Manjunath Rao, also a resident of the area said, he had approached the authorities in person and also filed an online complaint two months ago but no steps had been taken so far.