Source: CHEMBUR-GHATKOPAR PLUS dated January 14, 2012 by Sudhakar Anchan. Pix: M.M. Shirodkar.
“I am a resident of building no.51 in Tilak Nagar and ever since I have taken possession of my flat in 2006 there is open gutter flowing outside our building gate. We get contaminated water supply because of this. The building residents have complained many times but no action has been taken yet,” says Olvin Serrao while addressing the problem.
The sewerage line in front of the building Nos. 51 & 53, Tilak Nagar is chocked up, which is overflowing and water alongwith human excrement
The problem is perennial in Tilak Nagar. Since last three years, the sewerage line in front of the building no.51 and 53 has chocked up. This sewerage line runs parallel to the drinking water supply line and has got mixed up with potable water.
Though BMC has, time and again, made efforts to resolve the problem, no fruitful solution has been made yet. The passage is obstructed by new building activities and the builders/developers are not bothered to make proper provisions for the straight flow of sewage water.
James George, another resident laments, “This sewerage line is overflowing throughout the day on the main road to Tilak Nagar railway station. Thousands of people pass through this road to reach the railway station. There is a school in the vicinity of this spot, so school children are also forced to go through this road. Though the Municipal Corporation M-West ward is highly benefitted with the re-development and re-construction and has become rich by property tax collection, no infrastructure development has been made adequately.”
“Hope the authorities will look into the matter and expedite soon,” George adds further.
Raja Chowgule, corporator of the area said, “I am aware of the problem. But the entire Tilak Nagar area comes under MHADA. The water and sewerage lines are 30 to 40 years old. When MHADA is redeveloping the area it should take into consideration these problems also”
“Recently ward officer of M-West ward, Tilak Nagar residents and MHADA officials held a meeting to sort out the issue. Almost 95 percent of the water contamination problem is solved. After obtaining NOC from MHADA, BMC has sorted out water contamination issue. Sewerage line overflowing issue will also be taken care of. But it will take time. The basic problem is MHADA. While redeveloping old buildings MHADA should have taken care of these basic amenities in the beginning itself” added Chowgule.
A ward official on condition of anonymity said, “Of course there is problem. BMC does its best. But main problem is of MHADA. While redeveloping the old buildings, MHADA should have done proper layout in the planning stage itself. Their outlook should be on long term basis.”
